Work by IPPR Scotland warns of the shortcomings of the current approach.
A charity and progressive think tank has warned government must be further and faster to achieve Scotland’s goal of becoming a fair work nation.
A briefing published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) Scotland this week warns air work is crucial to delivering financial security.
The work, carried out following a number of commitments from ministers in Edinburgh, sets out steps that could be taken to ensure an acceptable and dignified standard of living for all in Scotland.
The Scottish Government has previously taken on board policy proposals from the IPPR, including aiming for the delivery of a minimum income guarantee, work towards a universal basic services approach, and boosting the role of fair work.
Despite this, the charity warned that many are still being left behind. Despite the conditionality of public funding now being dependent on fair work principles, many of Scotland’s most vulnerable workers remain the most at risk.
The think tank said more “intensive engagement” between the government and employers is needed, alongside the use of wider powers currently available in Scotland, as well as the devolution of powers which could deliver more meaningful reforms.
Posting on its website, the IPPR wrote: “Fair work is crucial to delivering financial security in Scotland. Without decent pay, secure work, or reliable hours, and without opportunities to progress in work, financial security will be difficult if not impossible to achieve for many.
“Recognising the important role of fair work in securing a fairer Scotland, the government has made several key commitments – not least its ambition to become a ‘fair work nation’ by 2025. This briefing starts to assess its progress and, importantly, where further effort is needed if we are to achieve that ambition by 2025.
“Overall, we find the evidence points to a need to go further, faster. That is especially true in ensuring that people receive fair pay and secure hours – however, this is also where the government experiences some of the most significant policy reservations under the current devolution settlement.”
