Ivan McKee reportedly said compulsory redundancy could be an “endpoint” for public-sector workers if no role remained and other avenues had been exhausted. He also maintained that the Scottish Government’s no-compulsory-redundancy policy remained in place. Those statements appear difficult to reconcile, but news reports of a committee exchange do not establish that the written policy has changed.
What McKee reportedly said at Holyrood
On 1 October 2026, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Public Sector Reform Ivan McKee appeared before Holyrood’s Public Service Reform Committee. According to The National’s report, he discussed public-body headcount reductions and cited VisitScotland as an organisation that had worked through the no-compulsory-redundancy policy.
The National reported McKee as saying: “So we end up in a situation where there clearly is no role for someone for reasons, and every other avenue has been exhausted, then there’s a process in place for that.” MSP Murdo Fraser then asked, “You’re talking about compulsory redundancy as an endpoint?” McKee reportedly replied, “Yes, okay, but there’s a very, very extensive process.” These are quotations reproduced in news coverage, not verified here against the committee transcript.
Why the remarks sound contradictory
The apparent contradiction is between a reported acknowledgement of a possible endpoint and a continuing policy commitment. The Press Association’s account, republished by Scotland Press, says McKee also emphasized that the no-compulsory-redundancy policy remained in place. The reports do not explain precisely how an endpoint in exceptional circumstances fits with that commitment.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
| Question | What the reports establish | What remains unclear |
|---|---|---|
| What did McKee say? | News accounts report that he answered “yes” when asked whether compulsory redundancy could be an endpoint after other avenues were exhausted. | The official committee transcript has not been established here. |
| Did the policy change? | The Press Association report says McKee maintained that the no-compulsory-redundancy policy remained in place. | The underlying policy text and any formal amendment or clarification are not provided by these reports. |
| Who and what does the policy cover? | The National describes workers whose roles are no longer needed and a priority movers list. | The reports do not set out the full coverage, detailed rules, or how the exhaustion of alternatives is determined. |
Accordingly, the exchange is not proof that compulsory redundancy has formally been permitted, nor does it settle whether the policy rules out every such outcome in every circumstance. The reports do not establish whether a later official clarification reconciled the statements.
What alternatives to redundancy were described
The National says the SNP introduced a no-compulsory-redundancy policy in 2007. Its account describes a priority movers list for people whose roles are no longer needed while suitable vacancies are sought. Voluntary schemes and movement between roles are among the measures mentioned; McKee reportedly said people on the list remain at work.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That account gives examples, not a complete procedure. It does not identify every alternative that must be considered, the order in which options are assessed, or the test for deciding that all avenues have been exhausted. The underlying policy document was not included in the reporting available here.
How the remarks fit the wider workforce reductions
The National reported that McKee said core Scottish Government civil-service personnel had fallen by 11.5%, or more than 1,000 posts, over four years, through natural attrition or the ending of contractor arrangements. That figure is attributed to McKee’s committee remarks in the 1 October 2026 report; it does not mean every reduction resulted from the same measure.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The same report said the government had floated a voluntary exit scheme and discussed reducing the number of health boards. It also cited a 20% workforce reduction target by 2030, estimated to require almost 1,500 jobs, attributing those figures to an earlier report in The Herald. The targets and estimates are not the same as a confirmed count of redundancies.
What was reported about workers awaiting redeployment
The National reported that 32 civil servants whose roles were no longer needed remained on the priority movers list. It said the figure had previously been published by The Sunday Times, and reported their wage bill as at least £2 million and potentially as high as £2.4 million. These are figures carried through a reporting chain, not independently audited totals established by the article.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
McKee reportedly said he could not give a total cost across the wider public sector for workers awaiting redeployment because the amount depended on individual circumstances and organisational approaches. The report therefore does not provide a wider public-sector cost estimate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Union reaction and the earlier assurance
The Press Association report, republished by Scotland Press, says STUC general secretary Roz Foyer wrote to McKee seeking clarification and warned that mixed messages could damage relations with unions. The report quotes her describing the intervention as “either a confused mistake or, worse still, a worrying sign of intent to come.”
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The same account says First Minister John Swinney told the Press Association in early September that there would be no compulsory redundancies as a result of his reforms. The news coverage does not establish whether Swinney or McKee subsequently issued a formal clarification reconciling that assurance with McKee’s reported answer at committee.
What can be concluded now
The most precise reading is that McKee reportedly acknowledged compulsory redundancy as a possible endpoint after other options were exhausted, while also saying the no-compulsory-redundancy policy remained in place. The reports raise a real question about how those positions work together, but they do not establish a formal policy change. A definitive account of the rules would require the committee record and the written policy or an official clarification.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
