Welfare powers: get a move on!

Scottish government says swift action is needed on welfare

Scottish ministers have urged the UK government to deliver Lord Smith’s recommendations for new powers on welfare almost four months after the report’s publication .

The call comes ahead of the Joint Ministerial Working Group on Welfare in Edinburgh later today (March 11) that will be attended by Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil and Fair Work Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, and which will focus on future delivery of welfare and employment support services in Scotland .

Mr Neil said: “It has been over a month since the Working Group met for the first time and weeks since the Smith Commission delivered its recommendations. Over that period of time there has been a frustrating lack of progress from the UK government in recognising that its current proposals do not meet Lord Smith’s recommendations.

“We want to see early progress on flexibilities around Universal Credit as well as assurances that the UK Government will deliver the Smith report in full. It’s really frustrating that the UK has refused to make early progress on those flexibilities, although these are technically feasible now. And they have refused to change their draft clauses which fall short of the Smith proposals.

“Just last week both the Welfare Reform Committee and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlighted the scale of the damage inflicted by Westminster’s austerity agenda on people across Scotland.

“With more powers in our own we hands we could build a system better suited to our needs. The Scottish Parliament is best placed to make decisions about welfare policies that affect the people of Scotland.”

Ms Cunningham added: “This Government’s commitment to Fair Work means we believe people should be supported into work, instead of being punished for being unable to secure employment. The UK Government’s current conditionality and sanctions regime isn’t working and the UK Government needs to adopt a positive and proportionate approach to support people, rather than cutting their incomes and having to deal with misguided policies such as the ‘bedroom tax’.

“We await vital information on employment services, such as the Work Programme, to enable the Scottish Government to move forward quickly in re-designing this type of support for Scotland. We are determined to use these powers to deliver seamless, effective support in Scotland that helps unemployed people in Scotland into work and delivers sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“As we move towards the UK pre-election period, we call upon the UK government to act swiftly on the Smith recommendations to ensure we can bring forward a Bill that is fit for purpose and allows us to take a new approach to tackling inequality.”

Making the most of apprenticeships

UK businesses could gain additional £18bn revenue from apprenticeships

A new report from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has revealed that consumers prefer to do business with businesses employing apprentices.

The report, launched to mark the start of National Apprenticeship Week, is part of a national drive to promote the benefits of apprenticeships. Events across the country will celebrate the success of apprenticeships that have been transformed over recent years so they are more responsive to the needs of employers and learners.

The Benefits of Apprenticeships to Businesses study finds that offering apprenticeships were perceived by two-thirds of the public as contributing to society and providing opportunities for young people, with 5 million consumers more likely to make a purchase from an apprentice employer.

One in four consumers say they would go as far as even paying more for goods and services offered by companies that employ apprentices. Aggregated across key sectors in the economy, this price-premium would equate to an additional £18 billion a year in consumer spending.

National Apprenticeship Week will also see the launch of a new mentoring service for small businesses interested in taking on apprentices will be launched by small business champion Jason Holt CBE.

Today’s research also highlights a number of other financial benefits firms employing apprentices can enjoy, such as increased long-term productivity. A typical apprentice delivers productivity gains of over £10,000 per annum, rising to almost double that in the construction and planning, and engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Moreover, the research demonstrates that even before an apprentice is fully qualified, many businesses will see economic benefits of offering apprenticeships. The figures show that while training, each apprentice in England is estimated to deliver an average positive net gain of £1,670 per annum to their employers.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “In launching National Apprenticeship Week we are celebrating the 2.1 million apprenticeship starts since 2010 and the positive impact they are having on businesses around the country.

“The benefits of apprenticeships are clear – they make a vital contribution to the economy, boost business productivity and give people the skills they need to get on in the world of work.

“As this research shows, there has been an important shift in the attitudes towards apprenticeships with businesses, consumers, and young people recognising the significant opportunities they can offer.

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “This research is further proof that apprenticeships deliver for businesses as well as providing life changing opportunities for young people.

“National Apprenticeship Week gives us the opportunity to raise the profile of apprenticeships and traineeships, and to celebrate the important role they play in our economy. I encourage people of all ages and employers of all shapes and sizes to find out more about apprenticeships and how they can deliver for them.”

The CEBR report examines the benefits that apprentices offer businesses both while they are training and long after they have completed their apprenticeships:

A quarter (25%) of consumers said that they would be more likely to pay more for goods and services offered by businesses employing apprentices, with the most popular services to pay a premium on being a plumbers’ visit, a meal or a haircut
Consumers are prepared to pay between 1.2% and 2.0% extra as a price premium –the aggregate gain in consumer spending if these premiums are realised is £18 billion per annum
The benefit to an employer of hiring an apprentice is the value of the economic output produced by an apprentice, plus any subsidies received, less wage and training costs. This equates to an average of £1,670 per annum for the average apprentice in England but can rise as high as £13,824 and £9,721 for team leadership and management, and business administration apprentices respectively
Productivity gains from employing an apprentice long-term average at £214 per week, ranging from £83 in the retail sector and £114 in health, public services and care, up to £401 in construction and planning, and £414 per in engineering and manufacturing

Scott Corfe, co-author of the report The Benefits of Apprenticeships to Businesses, said: “Previous Cebr research has demonstrated the impact of apprenticeships to the economy and the country as a whole, but this report proves that hiring apprentices has a hugely positive impact on employers themselves. Not only do apprentices contribute to the productivity of a company from day one, but consumers are more likely to switch to brands and firms that employ apprentices.”

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, employers are being encouraged to share their reasons for employing apprentices on social media, with #100reasonswhy.

HR and Training Manager, Steve Starling from Suffolk based JEB Engineering Design has already taken part and commented: “We’ve been recruiting apprentices for over 35 years. Many staff members in senior positions here started out as apprentices, including our Managing Director. We believe our future success is dependent on a strong, sustainable apprenticeship programme.”

To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week go to

www.gov.uk/naw2015.

£6.5 million to support youth employment

‘additional resource to tailor to activity to local need as we progress work to ensure all of Scotland’s young people have the best possible chance of success.’ – Roseanna Cunningham

Scotland’s 32 local authorities will split £6.5 million from the Scottish Government to take forward a variety of programmes to support young people to find work. Edinburgh’s share of the fund is £463,000.

The funding has been put in place to support the implementation of the recommendations from the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce which outlined a new blueprint for work-based training last year.

The funding will go towards initiatives to develop vocational and employment pathways for young people, strengthen links between schools and employers and help vulnerable groups become work ready.

Local authorities have now been informed of how much they will receive for 2014/15. Edinburgh’s share of the fund is topped only by Glasgow City, which will receive £692,850.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham said: “The latest trends on youth employment have been hugely encouraging but there is no room for complacency. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting more young women and men into jobs and published a new youth employment strategy in December.

“At the heart of our strategy is the report by the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce. We will continue to work closely with our partners in local government and Scotland’s business community on its implementation as part of a seven year plan to create a new world-class system of work-based training that will work for both the economy and the job prospects of our young people.

“I am very pleased to be able to confirm funding for all of our local authorities that will give them additional resource to tailor activity to local need as we progress work to ensure all of Scotland’s young people have the best possible chance of success.”

Latest Minimum Wage cheats named and shamed

Businesses named in the care, retail and hospitality sectors

A further 70 employers who failed to pay their workers the National Minimum Wage (NMW) have been named today by Business Minister Jo Swinson, bringing the overall total named and shamed to 162. None of the latest batch are Scottish companies.

Between them, these 70 employers owed workers a total of over £157,000 in arrears and have been charged financial penalties totalling over £70,000.

The government has already named 92 employers since the new naming regime came into force in October 2013. They had total arrears of over £316,000 and total penalties of over £111,000.

To support the minimum wage crackdown, the government will also be increasing HMRC’s £9.2 million enforcement budget by a further £3 million, helping to fund more than 70 extra compliance officers.

Business Minister Jo Swinson said:

Paying less than the minimum wage is illegal, immoral and completely unacceptable. Naming and shaming gives a clear warning to employers who ignore the rules, that they will face reputational consequences as well as financial penalties of up to £20,000 if they don’t pay the minimum wage.

We’re working hard in areas where we know there are particular problems, like the care sector, to make sure staff are paid fairly for the hard work they do.

We are legislating through the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill so that this penalty can be applied to each underpaid worker rather than per employer.

We are helping workers recover the hundreds of thousands of pounds in pay owed to them as well as raising awareness to make sure workers are paid fairly in the first place.

The government examines non-compliance in a number of ways and takes action where it identifies particular problems or challenges. Around 100 care sector cases are currently being investigated and 3 employers have been publically named, for failing to pay the minimum wage. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has also launched 6 proactive investigations into the largest employers in the care sector.

Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb said:

We want a fairer society where everyone gets the care they deserve – to do this we need a skilled, valued and fairly paid workforce. There is absolutely no excuse for employers that fail to pay the minimum wage.

We know the 100 care companies being investigated are just the tip of the iceberg in the care sector and are absolutely committed to getting back the wages people have worked so hard for. We will continue to name, shame and fine these employers until every care provider gets the message.

HMRC is working with the Department of Health, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the care sector to understand more about the causes of non-compliance with the national minimum wage in the care sector and to raise awareness of the minimum wage with employers and care workers. This includes making sure that employees know how to complain if they believe they are not being paid the national minimum wage.

The 70 employers named today are:

East Midlands Crossroads – Caring for Carers, Nottingham, neglected to pay £37,592.56 to 184 workers
Delcom Systems Ltd, Salisbury neglected to pay £11,731.52 to a worker
S Hanns LLP, Chatham neglected to pay £8,448.84 to a worker
The Apostolic Church trading as James Kane Nursery, London, neglected to pay £8,347.71 to 2 workers
Young Friends Nursery Ltd, Hove, neglected to pay £6,789.71 to a worker
Station Garage (Little Weighton) Ltd, Little Weighton neglected to pay £5,440.77 to 2 workers
KRCS (Digital Solutions) Ltd, Nottingham, neglected to pay £5,161.85 to 5 workers
Mrs Shirley Elvin trading as Seaton Garage & Engineering Co, Hull, neglected to pay £4,840.31 to a worker
Pontcanna Hair Studio Ltd, Cardiff, neglected to pay £4,784.34 to a worker
Carol Ann Daker trading as Swan Hill House Residential Home, Shropshire, neglected to pay £4,395.78 to 27 workers
Hobby Horse Ltd, Plymouth, neglected to pay £4,049.31 to a worker
Fylde Coast Pizza Ltd trading as Papa Johns, Blackpool, neglected to pay £3,949.62 to 14 workers
Manleys Ltd, Belfast, neglected to pay £3,797.83 to 3 workers
J B Howard and Son Ltd, Leyland, neglected to pay £3,469.96 to 7 workers
Mr L Tolman & Mr S Blanchard trading as Mardi Gras Hotel, Blackpool, neglected to pay £3,206.76 to 3 workers
Stafforce Personnel Ltd, Rotherham, neglected to pay £3,044.79 to 63 workers
Best Start Ltd trading as Tiny Treasures Day Care Nursery, Birmingham, neglected to pay £2,928.95 to 2 workers
Maybury Automotive Ltd, Woking, neglected to pay £2,670.88 to 2 workers
C&R Tyres Ltd, Kelso, neglected to pay £2,261.60 to 3 workers
SSE PLC, Perth neglected to pay £2,233.95 to 5 workers
Encore Envelopes Ltd, Washington, neglected to pay £2,060.09 to a worker
SmileyWorld Ltd, London, neglected to pay £1,729.00 to a worker
Mancroft Ltd, Leeds, neglected to pay £1,172.97 to 3 workers
Kevin & Bernadette Farrell trading as Derrygonnelly Autos, Enniskillen, neglected to pay £1,690.35 to a worker
Delves Food & Wine Stop Ltd trading as Loco, Walsall, neglected to pay £1,152.48 to a worker
Webe (Chelmsford) Ltd, Chelmsford, neglected to pay £1,521.98 to 4 workers
Gregson Lane Garage Ltd, Preston, neglected to pay £1,431.57 to 2 workers
Ms Julie Ann Wright trading as The Worx, Portadown, neglected to pay £1,110.60 to a worker
Mr S Partridge & Ms M Shead trading as Cobblers Fine Sandwiches & Pastries, Wakefield, neglected to pay £1,003.83 to a worker
Mr Phillip Campbell & Mrs Lorraine Campbell trading as Supervalu Kells, Ballymena, neglected to pay £905.86 to 2 workers
Mr C Pask trading as Pask Hair & Beauty, Derby, neglected to pay £900.00 to 2 workers
J&G Salon Ltd trading as Jealousi & Garlands, Tamworth, neglected to pay £881.28 to a worker
Faster Fit Tyres Ltd, Scunthorpe, neglected to pay £719.30 to a worker
Mrs Karen Aitken trading as Angel Hair Design, Darlington, neglected to pay £703.33 to a worker
Clearshot Ltd, Manchester, neglected to pay £684.94 to a worker
Everest Express Ltd, Lincoln, neglected to pay £657.03 to a worker
Leisure Emporium Ltd trading as Brown’s Cafe Bar & Bistro, Nottingham, neglected to pay £643.86 to a worker
Mrs S Walker trading as Alleyways Fish & Chips, Scarborough, neglected to pay £601.59 to a worker
Gary & Toni Valentine trading as The Harbour Inn, Seaton, neglected to pay £584.42 to a worker
Shreeji Barnsley Ltd trading as Coffee Delight, Buxton, neglected to pay £555.70 to a worker
Rowe Sparkes Solicitors Ltd, Southsea, neglected to pay £530.96 to a worker
Fish Hairdressing Company Ltd, trading as Fish Hairdressing, Maidstone neglected to pay £521.82 to 3 workers
Mrs Deborah Adcock trading as LJ Beauty & Hair, Seaham, neglected to pay £463.60 to a worker
D&D Dies Ltd, Nottingham, neglected to pay £446.37 to a worker
G Joynson, D Joynson and C Joynson trading as Headquarters, Withernsea, neglected to pay £430.07 to a worker
Matchesfashion Ltd, London, neglected to pay £375.61 to 2 workers
Colin Saich trading as Lindcoly Kennels, Bury St. Edmunds, neglected to pay £338.41 to 9 workers
Inn2inns Ltd, Middlesbrough, neglected to pay £323.10 to 2 workers
99p Land Ltd, Swindon, neglected to pay £315.26 to a worker
General Tarleton Ltd, Knaresborough, neglected to pay £300.62 to 6 workers
Western Computer Group Ltd, Bristol, neglected to pay £287.54 to a worker
Matrix Electrical Engineering Ltd, Harlow neglected to pay £286.60 to a worker
Honeybees Childcare Ltd, Preston, neglected to pay £276.30 to a worker
Mr G J Pearce trading as Sheppards Wood Service Station, Nottingham, neglected to pay £268.56 to a worker
The Mirrors Ltd, Manchester, neglected to pay £262.87 to a worker
A1 Techsol Ltd, Manchester, neglected to pay £233.47 to a worker
Mrs J Cole trading as Rayleigh Retreat, Rayleigh £231.73 to a worker
Hamlet Homes Properties Ltd, Westcliff-on-Sea neglected to pay £226.40 to a worker
Smartmove Property Specialists Ltd, Aldershot, neglected to pay £206.36 to a worker
EYFS Ltd trading as Oak Tree Day Nursery, London, neglected to pay £181.41 to a worker
Mr & Mrs P Munn trading as Merry Maids of the Weald, Tonbridge, neglected to pay £169.56 to a worker
Mr H Singleton trading as Willowbank Builders, Huddersfield, neglected to pay £163.89 to a worker
Professional Referral Services Ltd, Wigan, neglected to pay £156.93 to 2 workers
Amtec Computer Corporation Ltd, Ferndown, neglected to pay £149.64 to a worker
Lychgate Coffee Ltd, Wolverhampton, neglected to pay £124.39 to a worker
Finite International Logistics Ltd, Penarth, neglected to pay £119.92 to a worker
Drummonds Ltd, Manchester, neglected to pay £113.58 to a worker
Grove Mechanical Services Ltd, Magherafelt, neglected to pay £107.00 to 2 workers
Lin Chinese Takeaway Ltd, Stoke-on-Trent, neglected to pay £103.00 to a worker
Mr Assad Madani trading as Donapapa Pizza, Durham, neglected to pay £101.64 a worker

The 70 cases named today were thoroughly investigated by HM Revenue and Customs.

The scheme was revised in October 2013 to make it simpler to name and shame employers that do not comply with minimum wage rules.

Employers who are unsure of National Minimum Wage rules, and employees who would like advice or to complain that they are not receiving the National Minimum Wage, can get free advice via the Pay and Work Rights Helpline on 0800 917 2368 or by visiting GOV.UK.

Childcare Academy: two places left

We have 2 places left for 16 & 17 year olds for our Childcare Academy. If you or anyone you know is in this age group and interested, could you get in touch ASAP.

February 2015 CA Publicity Poster 16

Childcare Academy Standard Information

Audrey O’Neill
Training Administrator, North Edinburgh Childcare

0131 311 6931
www.northedinburghchildcare.co.uk

Sessional work with Total Craigroyston

We have a part time temporary vacancy for a sessional worker to help us develop our Community Leadership College. I’d be grateful if you could circulate this information to any local staff or volunteers whom you think might be interested.

vacancy flyer

Christine Mackay

Manager – Total Craigroyston

Workplace misery: new report exposes unfair treatment

Thousands unfairly treated at work

Thousands of Scots face unfair working practices which leave them in desperate and miserable situations, according to new evidence from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS).

Last year the Scottish CAB service saw 46,540 instances of unfair treatment at work – an increase of 5.5% on the previous year – and already this year the figures look set to be even higher.

Examples include unfair dismissal, non-payment of wages, cancellation of holidays, bullying, racism and denial of sick pay.

Many workers have told CAS they would like to take their case to tribunals but can’t afford to do so.

CAS new report ‘Fair Enough?’ sets out these problems in detail and suggests solutions to make Scotland’s workplaces fairer. It is being sent to Ministers, MPs and MSPs.

Publishing the report, CAS spokesman Rob Gowans said: “In Scotland we like to see ourselves as a generally fair, socially just country. Sadly, the evidence seen by CAB advisers every day tells a different story. We know that many Scots who are unemployed face severe hardship. But many who do have jobs are living on low incomes and also facing extremely unfair conditions at work.

“The evidence we present today is a snapshot of the kind of employment cases we see. Of course it’s important to say that most employers are fair and treat their staff well. But sadly it’s clear that there are many rogue employers in Scotland, and also that the system is in many ways stacked against workers who want to challenge unfairness at work.

“Some of the unfair employment practices we see put workers in difficult, complex and miserable situations. In exposing these today we want to raise awareness of these problems, but also to argue the case for change. All of the problems we identify in this report can be fixed, and we suggest ways of doing that.

“Because Scotland’s workers deserve better. And it is also in the interests of government and society as a whole that fair employment is promoted. Workers in low quality, stressful jobs have poorer general health, and poor daily quality of life than other groups – even those who are unemployed. It is also important to ensure that unscrupulous employers who wilfully undermine their employees’ basic rights do not gain an unfair advantage over fair employers.”

The sort of cases outlined in the report include:

People being dismissed in unfair circumstances, including for being off sick, attempting to take holiday, or informed of their dismissal by text message.
Employees who were not paid at all by their employers, in one case for six months’ full-time work.
Employers who failed to pay their employees’ income tax and national insurance leaving them to pick up the bill; and instances of clients paid considerably below the National Minimum Wage.
People who were unfairly denied sick pay when seriously ill
Employers refusing to allow employees to take paid holiday
Women who were dismissed when they became pregnant
Instances of racist and sexist bullying at work
Migrant workers who were exploited and made to work excessive hours
People who could not afford the fees to pursue an Employment Tribunal claim
Cases where a client won their case at an Employment Tribunal, and were awarded several thousand pounds, but their ex-employers managed to avoid paying them any of the money they were due
Many of the examples of poorest practice relate to people on zero hours contracts.

The full report:

Fair Enough Protecting Scotland’s workers from unfair treatment Feb 2015

Signup for NEC’s Childcare Academy

We are now recruiting for the new Childcare Academy, which starts on Monday 23 February.

Please see the attached poster and standard information.

February 2015 CA Publicity Poster 18

Childcare Academy Standard Information

Audrey O’Neill, Training Administrator

North Edinburgh Childcare

18b Ferry Road Avenue, Edinburgh EH4 4BL

Tel: 0131 311 6931 Fax: 0131 315 4420

www.northedinburghchildcare.co.uk

Green shoots? Record number of Scots in work

New GDP figures show fastest annual growth since 2007

Both Westminster and Holyrood politicians have welcomed the latest employments statistics published today. Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael says the figures show that the UK’s long term economic plan is working, while Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham says Scotland continues to outperform the UK.

The number of people in employment in Scotland has increased by 50,000 over the year, reaching a record high of 2,612,000 as new GDP figures show the fastest annual growth since 2007.

ONS Labour Market Statistics released today covering the period September to November 2014 show female employment has also reached a record high and Scotland’s youth unemployment level is at its lowest in five years.

Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training Roseanna Cunningham has welcomed today’s Labour Market Statistics which show:

The level of unemployment has fallen by 20,000 over the year and by 79,000 since its recession peak in 2010
The Scottish unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent remains below the overall UK rate, with Scotland also having a higher employment rate and lower economic inactivity rate
The number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has fallen by 24.9 per cent over the year.

In addition, National Statistics published today by the Scottish Government covering 2014 quarter 3 show that the Scottish economy continues to improve, growing by 3.0 per cent from the same quarter in the previous year. This is the fastest annual growth since 2007 with headline UK annual growth for the same period at 2.6 per cent. Growth over the quarter in Scotland was 0.6 per cent, the ninth consecutive quarter of expansion.

The construction sector again showed its strength, growing by 3.2 per cent over the quarter and 6.6 per cent over the year. The services sector, which accounts for around 72 per cent of the Scottish economy, grew by 0.6 per cent over the quarter with some manufacturing sectors also showing growth.

Ms Cunningham (above) said: “Scotland is again outperforming the UK on employment, unemployment and inactivity rates and a 3 per cent expansion in our economy over the year is a clear demonstration of our growing strength, not least in the construction sector.

“Our work on jobs and growth is continuing to pay off with record employment levels increasing this month and female employment also reaching a record high, welcome evidence of our on-going work on narrowing the gender gap.

“I am particularly pleased to note positive news on youth employment and I am determined that we will maintain our focus on increasing the employment opportunities for our young people. We will continue to work with local government and employers to deliver the recommendations of the Commission for Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce so that we deliver our ambitious programme to develop a world class vocational education system.

“This government is determined to close the attainment gap in our schools and enable the widest possible access to Higher Education so that everyone gets an equal chance at gaining qualifications, and therefore a job, regardless of their background.

“As the economy grows, we must ensure that everyone is able to benefit from our success. We will continue to use all of the powers we have at our disposal to grow the economy, increase employment, lower unemployment and remove barriers to the labour market.

“The Scottish Parliament will shortly have the first reading of the budget bill for 2015/16 which includes £4.5 billion of investment in infrastructure and additional funding for youth employment to secure sustained growth for Scotland.”

Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael (above) also welcomed the latest figures. He said: “Today’s employment figures show a record number of Scots in work, more women in employment than ever before and jobseekers allowance claimants at its lowest level since 2008.

“The UK Government has stuck to its long term economic plan, creating the right conditions to rebuild and rebalance our economy. Together with the safety and security which comes from being part of the UK this has helped our businesses grow and create more sustainable jobs. As a result, over the past four and half years employment has risen by 167,000 and unemployment has fallen by 61,000.

“It’s also welcome news to see Scotland’s economy continuing to grow, building on two successive years of economic growth. The rise in unemployment over the past quarter highlight the challenges which remain. Recent business surveys however show Scotland’s economic growth is set to continue into 2015 and our labour market is expected to build further on the record numbers we have seen. We will take responsibility to help those who fall out of work ensuring they can make the most of the opportunities being created in communities across the country.”

Headline Statistics for the September to November 2014 quarter:

Employment in Scotland increased by 1,000 over the quarter, and increased by 50,000 over the year, to stand at 2,612,000.
The Scots employment rate increased over the quarter to 74.1 per cent. The rate is above the UK average of 73.0 per cent.
Unemployment in Scotland increased by 7,000 over the quarter and fell by 20,000 over the year. The level now stands at 158,000.
At 5.7 per cent, the Scots unemployment rate is just below the rate of 5.8 per cent for the UK as a whole.
Economic Activity increased by 8,000 over the quarter and now stands at 2,770,000. Also, the Economic Activity rate increased over the quarter to stand at 78.7 per cent.
In December 2014, the number of people out of work and claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) was 85,000.

Latest Data for Scotland:

Employment

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) indicates that the number of people in employment in Scotland from September to November 2014 was 2,612,000. Employment was up by 1,000 compared to the previous three months, and was up by 50,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The employment rate increased on the previous quarter, and it was up by 1.5 p.p. compared to the same quarter last year, at 74.1 per cent. In comparison, the Scottish employment rate is above the UK average.

Unemployment

Unemployment in Scotland was up 7,000 over the quarter September to November 2014, to 158,000. The level was down 20,000 compared to the same quarter last year. The unemployment rate was up 0.2 p.p. on the previous quarter at 5.7 per cent, which is down 0.8 p.p. over the year.

Claimant Count

The claimant count in Scotland, based on the seasonally adjusted number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), fell by 2,100 from November to 85,000 in December 2014. The level is down by 28,200 on December 2013. The claimant count rate fell by 0.1 p.p. over the month at 3.1 per cent, and is down 1.0 p.p. over the year.

Economic Activity

The number of economically active (defined as those in employment or ILO unemployed, and seasonally adjusted) in Scotland in the September to November 2014 quarter was 2,770,000. This was up 8,000 on the previous quarter, and is up 29,000 on the same point a year ago. Among those aged 16-64 the economic activity rate was 78.7 per cent, up 0.3 p.p. on the previous quarter, and up 0.9 p.p. over the year.

100 up: a wage to live on

100 employers in Scotland now with Living Wage Accreditation

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday visited Scotland’s 100th Living Wage accredited company, McKean Developments Ltd, to welcome the rapid growth in Scottish organisations securing Living Wage Accreditation.

The Poverty Alliance, which runs the Living Wage Accreditation scheme in Scotland has indicated that more than 100,000 employees of accredited companies are now benefitting from the Living Wage.

Speaking during her visit to McKean Developments the First Minister welcomed the progress being made and urged other companies to sign up, She said: “It is great news that 100 companies are now accredited as Living Wage employers. The Scottish Government fully supports the Living Wage campaign and we recognise the real difference the Living Wage makes to the working people in Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is not able to set pay levels in the private sector, or indeed the wider public sector in Scotland where employees are not covered by our pay policy, however we DO encourage all public, private and third sector organisations to ensure all staff on lower incomes receive a fair level of pay, and we are funding the Poverty Alliance to take forward the accreditation scheme.

“The list of 100 accredited companies clearly demonstrates it is not just big businesses who are providing a fairer deal for their staff but small companies like McKean Developments Ltd which is guaranteeing the living wage for their staff. I would encourage all employers across Scotland to take the lead from the these 100 organisations and give their workers a Living Wage.”

Colin McLean sales and technical manager at McKean Developments Ltd, said: “As a Living Wage Employer it is our belief that our workforce deserve to be paid an honest and decent wage in return for their services. It’s that simple. This, in turn, has helped increased both production capability and morale within our business, leading to increased customer satisfaction and a top quality finished product, not to mention a better quality of life for all of our employees.”

Peter Kelly, Director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Congratulations to McKean’s on becoming Scotland’s 100th Accredited Living Wage Employer. This is an important milestone for the Living Wage in Scotland. We are delighted that more and more employers are joining the movement for fair pay.

“These employers recognise that paying the Living Wage has benefits for their organisations as well as their employees. We look forward to working with McKeans, and all Scotland’s accredited employers, to ensure that we all benefit from the Living Wage.”