THE Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has called for social justice to be at the heart of the process for devolving additional powers to the Scottish Parliament.

The teaching union wants Holyrood to have powers over employment, equal opportunities and industrial relations law, as well as health and safety.

The EIS said devolution in these areas would take account of Scotland's particular economic circumstances and employment culture. General secretary Larry Flanagan said: "Throughout the regional debates it was very clear that for Scotland's teachers and lecturers, the issue of social justice is the top priority."

The union also calls on the devolution commission to consider an "anomaly" in the current arrangements for public sector pensions, which it says led to the collapse of recent talks on the Scottish Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.

Meanwhile, the Common Weal think tank has called for Scotland to be given the maximum powers legally possible in its submission.

Director Robin McAlpine said: "Devo-max makes sense because it devolves almost all powers to Scotland. Anything in between appears to be a recipe for permanent government of conflict and confusion."