Scotland's National Strategy for Economic Transformation Programme 5: A Fairer and More Equal Society Equality Impact Assessment (Record and Results)

Headline Findings and Learning

Background

Scottish Ministers remain committed to addressing social and economic inequalities, supporting people towards and into fair and sustainable work following the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation in Ukraine together with the cost-of-living crisis means that the economic outlook is increasingly uncertain, and economies need to build resilience.

NSET seeks to ensure Scotland is on route to a strong economy with good, secure and well paid jobs and growing businesses, maximising Scotland's strengths and natural assets to increase prosperity, productivity and international competitiveness. It is based on rigorous analysis of evidence, designed to tackle long term structural challenges, build on our economic strengths and position Scotland to maximise the greatest economic opportunities of the next ten years

To mitigate the worst effects of turbulence in the economy we have made significant and targeted investments to ensure that we not only 'build back better' but also more fairly.

In developing this strategy the Scottish Government is mindful of the three needs of the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) - eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not, and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Where any negative impacts have been identified, we have sought to mitigate/eliminate these. We are also mindful that the equality duty is not just about negating or mitigating negative impacts, as we also have a positive duty to promote equality.

Employability has a pivotal role in addressing existing social and economic inequalities, preventing those who are most vulnerable from being further disadvantaged by the economic shocks. We recognise the vital role of organisations across the employability landscape, and are committed to protecting a diverse range of provision to ensure the right support is available for those who need it most, creating advantage for those who are experiencing disadvantaged.

Through Fair Work First we are applying Fair Work criteria to public sector contracts and grants to ensure that government funding serves to tackle in-work poverty and low wages by raising the incomes of the lowest paid and improving terms and conditions for all.

The findings from the Business Purpose Commission Report in Spring 2022, will inform how businesses can deliver positive impacts on prosperity, wellbeing – including tackling child poverty – and environmental sustainability. This will recognise that businesses which take a long term (inter-generational) view of their stakeholder commitments fare better in times of crisis, including during the pandemic. It will also promote the stakeholder capitalism model with business leaders, encouraging businesses to see employees, communities and citizens as stakeholders as well as consumers and where businesses are rooted in their communities.

A progressive approach to industrial relations and to trade unionism is at the very heart of a fairer, more successful society. Trade unions are key social partners in delivering our economic and social aspirations. Accordingly, we recognise the importance of unions and collective bargaining in raising worker wellbeing and promoting progressive and fair workplace practices. The best Fair Work outcomes will be achieved where employers, workers, unions, government, agencies and third sector work together and take collective ownership for delivery of Fair Work. In some key sectors this will involve enhancing the capacity to take collective decisions through forums involving employers, workers, unions and other partners negotiating minimum standards on pay, conditions and other aspects of Fair Work infrastructure.