A trade union representing home and social care has secured a win for its workers after it vigorously challenged personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance set out by Scotland's Chief Nursing Officer.

UNISON challenged Fiona McQueen and COSLA Chief Executive, Sally Loudon raising concerns that guidelines set by them would see workers receiving less protection than other UK counterparts - putting both them and their patients at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.

READ MORE: Unison challenges Scottish medical officers' PPE guidance

The Scottish Government and Chief Nursing Officer have now given their commitment that home and social carers can wear a fluid resistant face mask along with any other appropriate PPE they feel is necessary in carrying out their work.

The Scottish Government advice says they trust the professional judgement of home and social carers in assessing the correct level of PPE required for the tasks they are undertaking.

Johanna Baxter, UNISON head of local government in Scotland said: “We are pleased that the Scottish Government have responded positively to the concerns UNISON raised, that the four-country guidance issued on Thursday 2nd April stands and the letter from Scotland's Chief Nursing Officer, sent to COSLA on Sunday 5th, has been withdrawn.

READ MORE: Glasgow home care service Cordia accused of not providing PPE for care workers

"We will always stand up for our members and we will always fight to protect them.

"It is not acceptable that home and social care workers were put through this further anxiety. Their jobs are stressful enough.  

Mark Ferguson, chair of UNISON Scotland local govt committee said: “We should never have got to this position but it has been UNISON leading on this issue and we are pleased we have now secured this resolution.  

"However we also know that difficulties remain with the supply of Personal Protective Equipment.

"We are continuing to raise this with the Scottish Minister too and she has committed to addressing these."