THE Scottish government faced a backlash today over its failure to back amendments to emergency coronavirus legislation that would have improved conditions for workers and renters across the country.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and opposition politicians blasted the SNP’s decision to vote repeatedly with Tory MSPs in committee at Holyrood on Wednesday. 

The trade-union body accused the Tories and SNP of having voted down “some really positive amendments put forward by members of different political parties.”

A bid by Green MSPs to introduce a two-year rent freeze for tenants was rejected.

Green MSP Andy Wightman, who had called for the change, said that housing charity Shelter Scotland was concerned there would be a “tidal wave of evictions” as a result of the crisis.

Other moves voted down included giving trade unions greater access to workplaces, ensuring payment of the living wage and establishing national collective bargaining in care.

STUC general secretary designate Roz Foyer accused the SNP of siding with landlords, adding: “Today is a step backwards in the Scottish government’s aspirations to support workers and tenants dealing with the fallout of coronavirus.”

Labour’s Alex Rowley argued that “much more” could have been done to address inequalities.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “The work of rebuilding absolutely gives us an opportunity to decide what kind of society and what kind of economy we want to build.”

Despite these moves failing, the emergency coronavirus legislation will see around 83,000 unpaid carers receive a cash boost. 

Constitution Secretary Mike Russell told MSPs: "You cannot do everything in emergency legislation. It is important to recognise that and acknowledge that.”