Opposition councillors at Stirling Council have claimed the move to outsource school dinners would lead to job losses and an impact on the quality of meals, but the council's leader said the comments were "scaremongering".
Labour demands reversal of outsourcing decision
Stirling Labour councillors are demanding the council administration scrap its decision to outsource school catering as they warned over job losses. The preparation of school meals will be outsourced in a controversial decision approved as part of Stirling Council’s budget in March.
Labour Cllr David Wilson, of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, said: "The budget decision earlier this year approved outsourcing primary and nursery school meal preparation, with 43 jobs reported to be at risk.
"Labour has raised ongoing concerns about the impact on staff and the potential loss of Stirling Council’s long-standing Food for Life Served Here Silver award, which recognises high standards of fresh, sustainable and locally sourced school meals.
"The council has held the Silver award for more than a decade, serving thousands of meals across primary schools and nurseries."
Labour argues that outsourcing could put this achievement and the quality of school meals at risk. Following a council meeting on June 25, councillors agreed that the issue would return to council in October if Food for Life Silver status cannot be maintained. However, Labour is now urging the administration to go further and reverse the outsourcing decision entirely.
Council leader hits back
Labour says staff are being left in limbo and argues that the council should protect its existing in-house catering service rather than proceed with outsourcing plans. However, Council Leader Susan McGill hit back saying Labour were "scaremongering".
She said: "In Scotland, thanks to the SNP, every child in Primary 1 to Primary 5 receives free school meals, with further support available for pupils in Primary 6 and above who need it.
"The SNP administration remains firmly committed to providing nutritious, high-quality food for our children. That commitment is not in doubt.
"Councillor Wilson’s claim that 43 staff members will lose their jobs is simply scaremongering, and he knows it.
"The SNP introduced a no-compulsory-redundancy policy last year, which Mr Wilson’s Labour colleagues regrettably failed to support.
"Everyone affected by changes to service provision will be offered training, support, and alternative employment elsewhere within the council. Their job security is assured.
"If Cllr Wilson truly cares about protecting essential services, he be better lobbying Andy Burnham to reverse the austerity measures imposed by his former Prime Minister and Chancellor."
Council response
A Stirling Council spokesperson said: "Stirling Council is currently reviewing primary school meal provision as part of wider efforts to address a projected £12.25 million budget gap for the 2026-27 financial year.
"This review forms one element of a broader package aimed at achieving necessary savings across multiple service areas.
"All changes in service provision are underpinned by ongoing engagement with staff, trade unions, and communities as we navigate the financial challenges outlined in our budget planning process.
"The council would like to reiterate its commitment to no compulsory redundancies, and we are currently working on a package of support for those colleagues who are affected, which includes structured retraining programmes into other roles across the council, as well as upskilling support more generally.
"We remain committed to providing high quality, nutritional school meals that meet all Scottish Government guidance."
