THE Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC) has appointed Rozanne Foyer as its next general secretary, handing the job to a woman for the first time in its long history.

Ms Foyer will replace Grahame Smith at the head of the confederation, which was founded in 1897, when he retires later this year.

Ms Foyer formerly worked as a full-time officer of the Transport and General Workers Union, which is now part of Unite.

She first became a trade-union activist when employed in the public sector at the Benefits Agency.

Ms Foyer said: “I have a huge loyalty to the STUC and I’m passionate about the role it must continue to play in making Scotland a better country to live and to work in.

“I am under no illusions about the huge task lying ahead. Workers today face major challenges like in-work poverty, casualisation, automation and climate change.

"The re-election of a Conservative government in Westminster is not good news for Scotland’s workers, and trade unionism has never been more relevant or necessary.

“I want to build on our traditions by ensuring that we maximise the visibility, relevance and influence of trade unions in all Scotland’s workplaces.

"Our movement must reach out, collectivise and empower Scotland’s working people with the knowledge they need to win on the major issues that affect them.”

STUC president Jackson Cullinane said: “We are thrilled to secure a trade unionist of Roz’s calibre.

"She started working life on the shop floor, experiencing the worst of low pay and exploitation, and has gone on to excel as an industrial and political leader.”