Trade unionists have launched a campaign to increase membership north of the border.

Membership of unions affiliated to the Scottish TUC dropped from nearly 1.1 million in 1980 to fewer than 630,000 in 2000, although officials have reported a "modest" increase over the past two years.  Only one in five private sector employees are unionised.

Statistics from the union body suggest that for every five union members lost through retirement, only one aged under 20 is recruited, while the average age of members is 47. 

However, attitudes among young people towards unions are positive - of those questioned, 63 per cent of workers under 30 believe that strong unions are needed to protect pay and conditions, compared to 47 per cent of those over 30.

In response, the "Unions Work" campaign will involve visits to schools by trade unionists, as well as the inclusion of the trade union movement in the Scottish executive's enterprise education plan for schools.

"This campaign is not about self-congratulation," said STUC general secretary Bill Speirs.

"We have been out and about all over Scotland asking members and non-members alike about what a trade union means to them.

"Some of the answers we liked, some of them we did not like.

"The Unions Work campaign will build upon our positive reputation amongst current members and send the message to non-members that they have nothing to lose and very much to gain from carrying a union card."