Conclusion

Both the Fair Work Measurement Framework and the new International Fair Work Nation Framework are useful tools in that they track Scotland’s performance on fair work and offer a way of understanding how Scotland is performing on key fair work indicators^[18]. Ultimately the purpose of measurement is to support effective action in the economy and improve outcomes for employers and workers.

Becoming a Fair Work Nation is both challenging and aspirational and it will take sustained effort to change the experience of work for the better. The Scottish Government has placed significant focus on this issue, but the scale and the reach of fair work actions has, to date, been limited. However, the work undertaken has created an effective foundation on which to build. Significant focus now needs to be placed on mainstreaming a fair work approach across the public sector, on building capacity amongst employers, and delivering on Fair Work commitments to create meaningful change.