Union row with Tories over teachers

Aug 29 2010

A union has clashed with the Tories over claims money is being "splashed out" to cover teachers' time off for official duties.

More than £868,000 was spent over five years at eight of Scotland's 32 councils to cover absences for trade union activity, according to figures released by the Scottish Conservatives.

The party said this raises questions over who should foot the bill for unions during a time of tight public finances.