Question reference: S5W-33392
- Asked by: Johann Lamont, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 19 November 2020
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 4 December 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether organisations that wish to adopt the Young Person's Guarantee must commit to paying the living wage.
Answer
The Scottish Government promotes and encourages flexible working and works with employers to encourage flexible, agile and inclusive workplaces that benefit all employees, including those participating in the Young Person’s Guarantee.
However the inappropriate use of zero hours contracts and other non-standard types of employment that offer workers minimum job or financial security is not supported by Scottish Government. These criteria, alongside the payment of the Living Wage are a central component of Fair Work First, as well as the relaunched Scottish Business Pledge and will be reflected in the Young Person’s Guarantee.
Any job being supported by the Guarantee will be expected to meet the Fair Work criteria. In line with Sandy Begbie’s recommendations, we expect this to include a stated commitment from employers to either pay the Living Wage, or to be prepared to move to the Living Wage within an agreed time period.