UNISON Scotland has issued a challenge to all political parties with its own election manifesto demanding an end to austerity, new trade union rights and a tax clampdown on big business.

Launching the manifesto, entitled The Public Services Election, Unison Scottish secretary Mike Kirby said: “Unison priorities are: an end to Tory austerity, fair employment, trade union rights, pay and better public services.

“And we will challenge all political parties on what they will do for those working in public services.”

The manifesto says that “a new government must tackle insecurity at work and outlaw zero-hours contracts.”

Unison Scottish convener Lilian Macer said the union’s own polling shows that “public services are the top issue for people in Scotland and the UK — more than half say it is the highest priority for them in this election.”