Summary of Actions
Overarching Recommendation
Scotland should strive to have leading performance across all indicators in the International Fair Work Nation Framework by 2025.
Action 1
The Scottish Government should work with the Fair Work Convention to consider each indicator in the International Fair Work Nation Framework in turn, identifying clear targets for 2025. On indicators where there are significant gaps between Scotland’s performance and that of the leading Fair Work Nation for that indicator, an appropriate and achievable target for 2025 should be set. However, a longer term target to become a leading nation should also be developed, which includes a clear timeframe for when this will be achieved.
Action 2
The Scottish Government should consider its relative investment in Active Labour Market Policies in comparison with the leading Fair Work Nations and should ensure effective fair work objectives and measures are included in all Active Labour Market Policies.
Action 3
The Scottish Government should focus on drawing lessons from countries that are doing well on fair work indicators and Active Labour Market Policies. Particular focus should be given to:
- Denmark on the disability employment gap.
- Finland, Belgium and Ireland on skills utilisation.
Action 4
The Scottish Government should undertake an evaluation of the effectiveness of Fair Work First in promoting fair work outcomes across the economy.
Action 5
The Scottish Government should seek to strengthen fair work conditionality and the effectiveness of fair work interventions on:
- reducing insecurity (including, but not limited to, reducing the prevalence of Zero Hours Contracts);
- tackling the gender pay gap and supporting diversity and inclusion;
- increasing the use of flexible working arrangements; and
- addressing in-work poverty.
Action 6
The Scottish Government should undertake an evaluation of how current childcare policy supports labour market outcomes for women. This evaluation should then inform work with the Fair Work Convention to strengthen early learning and childcare policy to better support women’s participation in the labour market.
Action 7
The Scottish Government should seek to effectively implement accepted Fair Work Convention recommendations and Fair Work Action Plan commitments on collective bargaining including in social care, construction and early learning and childcare.