Commonwealth Games, Sport, Equalities and Pensioners’ Rights
Pensioners Parliament
To ask the Scottish Government on what basis it considers a Scottish pensioners parliament could be established. (S4O-03236)
The Scottish Government does not have any current proposals to establish a pensioners parliament.
Instead, we are supporting the Scottish older people’s assembly with funding of more than £100,000 for the period 2012-15. The Scottish older people’s assembly enables older people to have their voices heard and to influence policy and practice on the wide range of issues that affect them.
I thank the cabinet secretary for that reply. Does the cabinet secretary believe that a pensioners parliament—or, indeed, assembly—would be an excellent forum in which to discuss many issues that are of importance to older people, such as the retirement age, the level of the state pension and perhaps even an independent Scotland?
The Scottish older people’s assembly has discussed the retirement age, the state pension and many other issues since its establishment. This year’s assembly is due to be held on 31 October, within this Parliament. The assembly will consider a number of issues and I am sure that pensions will be one of them, in addition to—in particular—the community empowerment (Scotland) bill.
It is important to note that the older people’s assembly has done a lot to reach out to older people throughout Scotland. It is made up from older people’s groups across the country and it also has representation from across the various equality communities. It is a good organisation, which represents older people and gives them a voice. I was happy to meet it last month, on 24 April, when we had a constructive discussion on a number of issues.
Pensioners’ Rights (Proposals)
To ask the Scottish Government what further information it plans to publish on proposals for pensioners’ rights in an independent Scotland before the referendum. (S4O-03237)
The Scottish Government paper “Pensions in an Independent Scotland” has already set out detailed proposals on pensions. Following a vote for independence, the best of the existing state pensions system would be retained, with genuine improvements being introduced where necessary; private pension saving would be supported; the legislative and regulatory framework would provide strong protection for individuals’ private pension savings; and a public service pensions system would be delivered that is affordable, sustainable and fair.
The paper also shows how successive United Kingdom Governments have failed to protect the pensions system and pensioners over recent decades. That has led to a crisis with, according to the latest Department for Work and Pensions statistics, 13.2 million people in the UK undersaving for their retirement.
This Government believes that an independent Scotland can do better, and we will continue to make those arguments in the coming months.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland report “Scotland’s Pensions Future: Have our questions been answered?” concludes that, without changes to European Union rules on the funding of defined benefit pension schemes, employers would need to make good any deficits held by new cross-border schemes. Given that we now know that EU rules are not going to change, what evidence can the minister produce to demonstrate that the most basic right of pensioners—the right to their pension—will be any safer with independence than with the pooling and sharing of resources across the United Kingdom?
“Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland” sets out our proposals for an affordable, fair and efficient pensions system in an independent Scotland. We considered in detail the impact of EU rules on defined benefit pension schemes that currently operate in Scotland and, of course, in the rest of the UK and set out our view, informed by practice in Ireland under the current regime, that if they continue to operate, on independence, on a cross-border basis, they should be allowed to implement their existing recovery plan in accordance with the period originally set rather than having to achieve full funding over a much shorter timescale.
That remains the case regardless of the commission’s decision to defer plans to encourage the growth of cross-border schemes by relaxing the funding regime. It is yet another issue, however, that we are keen to talk to the UK Government about in advance of the yes vote in September. It is a pity that the UK Government is not willing to do so.
Pensioners should know what their rights are, so does the cabinet secretary agree that Labour must now come clean, publish its cuts commission report and tell pensioners whether, under Labour, they will still have the right to free prescriptions, concessionary travel and free personal and nursing care? It certainly looks as if Labour will axe the lot.
I agree that we should hear from Labour what is in store with its cuts commission. Many important policies that protect pensioners and other vulnerable people within our society are held dear, and Parliament should be proud of having passed them into law. I just hope that we see what the cuts commission has in store soon so that people can consider it as they make up their mind about how to vote on 18 September.
Many thanks. I should have reminded members that short questions and answers would be appreciated.
Education for Children and Young People with Dyslexia (Equalities)
To ask the Scottish Government what the position is of the cabinet secretary with responsibility for equalities on the implications for equalities of the findings of the Education Scotland report, “Making Sense: Education for Children and Young People with Dyslexia in Scotland”. (S4O-03238)
The Scottish Government’s equality outcomes report stated that we will identify areas for improvement when children and young people with protected characteristics are not gaining awards in school education, and identify when children and young people with protected characteristics have high levels of success in gaining awards in school education.
A number of the findings of the report have implications for equality, such as the inequity in qualifications attained by young people with dyslexia compared with their peers. The report was carried out with the engagement of parents and children and young people with dyslexia. The Scottish Government will make a formal response to the report within four to six weeks, outlining the steps that will be taken to address its recommendations.
I thank the cabinet secretary for highlighting the relationship with protected characteristics, which is obviously important. Taking into account the geographical discrepancies highlighted in the new report on dyslexia, will the Scottish Government consider publishing guidelines to ensure more consistency across local authorities—some do not even have a definition of dyslexia—and encourage support for the toolkit in schools?
I am glad that the member mentioned the toolkit because I understand that it has been well received. It helps teachers to address the needs of pupils with dyslexia. The Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages launched that toolkit in September 2012. The member makes a good point about guidance and geography and I will be happy to suggest to the Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages that he takes that point forward. I am sure that he will be in touch with the member with more detail about that.
Pensioners’ Rights (Protection)
To ask the Scottish Government how pensioners’ rights would be protected in an independent Scotland. (S4O-03239)
“Pensions in an Independent Scotland” sets out that, if elected as the first Government of an independent Scotland, this Government would retain the best of the existing pensions system while introducing a range of key improvements to protect and enhance pensioners’ interests. Those improvements include uprating the state pension by the triple lock for at least the period of the first session of the independent Parliament, thus providing protection for the value of pensions over time; introducing in 2016 the single-tier pension at a starting level of £160 per week—the United Kingdom parties have currently failed to say what the level will be; and retaining the savings credit element of pension credit, thereby benefiting approximately 9,000 pensioners on low incomes. It is worth adding that we already have a strong record in protecting older citizens through, for example, the provision of concessionary travel and the freezing of council tax for pensioners. With the full powers of independence, we would be able to develop that support still further.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that the proposal put forward by the UK Government to raise the age of retirement is leading to concerns that a number of people in Scotland will not live long enough to receive a pension due to their lower life expectancy? Furthermore, does she also agree that it is only with independence that a pension system that is suited to the interests and lives of the people of this country can be created?
We have set out that an independent expert commission will look at the appropriate state pension age in Scotland, taking into account the issues of fairness, equality and affordability. It is worth noting that the Scottish public believe very clearly that it ought to be the Scottish Parliament that makes the decisions for Scotland about the state pension. It speaks volumes that, in the most recent Scottish social attitudes survey, 65 per cent of respondents said that this Parliament should make those decisions and only 33 per cent said that Westminster should do so.
Commonwealth Games (Tickets)
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the number of tickets made available for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games to people who live in Scotland. (S4O-03240)
With the Presiding Officer’s indulgence, I will briefly comment on the fact that tickets have gone back on sale this morning. I am pleased to say that enthusiasm for the games remains as great as ever. The performance of the ticketing website and hotline has been steady and thousands of individuals and families have today secured tickets for what I believe will be the greatest games ever.
To answer the member’s question, the Commonwealth Games Federation’s co-ordination commission’s final inspection in March concluded that the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth games are shaping up to be the best ever. I am delighted with the fantastic response from the public for tickets. Over 94 per cent of available tickets were sold in the initial phases. Fifty-seven per cent of those were bought in Scotland, which ensures that there will be fantastic home support as team Scotland goes for gold this summer.
It is certainly good news that today went without any hitches. At what stage will the Scottish Government be able to provide a full breakdown of ticket sales that shows how many have been purchased by people living in Scotland, by those in the rest of the UK and by those from abroad?
I can tell Liz Smith now that 57 per cent of the tickets that have been sold so far were bought in Scotland. Obviously, when the final tickets have been sold we will be able to look at whether that percentage has changed. The short answer to the member is that, once all the tickets have been sold and we are in a position to reflect on the analysis of who bought tickets from where, I will ensure that Parliament is furnished with that information at the appropriate stage.
State Pension (Life Expectancy)
To ask the Scottish Government what further research it plans to carry out on the relationship between the state pension and life expectancy. (S4O-03241)
“Pensions in an Independent Scotland” sets out that, following a vote for independence, this Government would reserve judgment on the rapid increase in the state pension age to 67. The analysis that was published last week provided new evidence as to why our position makes sense. On average, over a lifetime, men in Scotland receive £10,000 less in state pension, and women in Scotland £11,000 less, than the United Kingdom average. For men and women in Glasgow, compared with people in the areas of the UK with the highest life expectancy, the pension gap is £50,000 and £46,000 respectively. Increasing the state pension age to 67 so quickly, based on UK rather than Scottish levels of life expectancy, compounds that unfairness.
As the pensions paper set out, detailed considerations of whether the state pension age should increase to 67 for Scotland would fall to an independent commission. It is that body that would be responsible for conducting further research on life expectancy and pensions, taking affordability and fairness into account in drafting its recommendations. The commission would report to an independent Scottish Parliament within its first two years, enabling Parliament to make a fully informed decision on what is fair and affordable for Scotland.
Given what the cabinet secretary said about the current gap, why does she support the increase to 66 by 2020?
We have looked at the affordability of the current position. Obviously, we have to ensure that our pensions position in an independent Scotland is affordable, which is why we have accepted the increase of the state pension age to 66. However, given the lead-in time, we believe that there is an opportunity to look closely at whether the state pension age should rise to 67. That rise would compound an already unfair position in Scotland. We must take seriously the position not least of women, who will be particularly affected, and people who live in our poorest communities, whose life expectancy is lower. Life expectancy in Scotland is improving, but it is improving less quickly than in the rest of the UK.
We are cautious about compounding the position by raising the state pension age to 67. That is why the expert commission will look at fairness and affordability in reaching its conclusions. I hope that members across the chamber can support that.
Pride House (Glasgow)
To ask the Scottish Government what impact the opening of pride house in Glasgow will have on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. (S4O-03242)
The Scottish Government hopes that pride house will have a significant impact on LGBT people in Scotland and beyond, by recognising and celebrating the advances that have been made towards equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and the contribution that that diverse community makes to society. Pride house will promote the visibility, inclusion and participation of LGBT people in sport and in society more generally.
As one of the recently announced patrons of pride house, I commend the cabinet secretary—who is another of the recently announced patrons—for her answer. My constituency has a great number of LGBT-oriented sports clubs, such as the Caledonian Thebans, the wonderfully named HotScots and the Edinburgh Frontrunners but, broadly, homophobia in sport is still a major obstacle that has been identified. There is a concern that it would be easy to say, “Job done,” now that equal marriage has been legislated for. What action does the cabinet secretary expect to be taken to tackle homophobia in sport in the coming months and years? More broadly, what will the Scottish Government do on that?
I say to Marco Biagi that I am pleased to be a patron of pride house. Pride house will be a fantastic element of the Commonwealth games, providing a great atmosphere and important messages about equality.
I refer the member to the recommendations in “Out for Sport” from the Equality Network. We very much welcome that report, which we are using as a basis to explore the effectiveness of our current approach. I am aware of the work that has been done to develop a Scottish LGBT sports charter, which will contribute positively to increased inclusion, participation and involvement of LGBT people in sport.
Sportscotland has worked closely with governing bodies and clubs to ensure that barriers are removed for everyone who wants to take part in sport. I hope that that will be yet another legacy of this summer’s Commonwealth games.
Pensions (Retirement Age)
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of recent comments by the cabinet secretary with responsibility for pensioners’ rights, what the retirement age for pension eligibility would be if Scotland separates from the rest of the United Kingdom. (S4O-03243)
As I said, the Government reserves judgment on the rapid increase in the state pension age to 67 as planned by the UK Government. That is why we will establish an independent commission to consider the matter and in particular what is affordable and fair for Scotland.
We believe that Scotland should have the full powers to develop a system that is in line with Scottish needs and circumstances. As the recent analysis on life expectancy showed, those circumstances differ from those in the UK as a whole, on which current UK pension age plans are based.
We are not alone in our belief that the varying levels of life expectancy demand a rethink of the plans. For example, a Trades Union Congress report that was published in August last year said:
“Increasing state pension age is unjust because of the persistence of inequalities in life expectancy between different groups.”
In the light of that response and her earlier response to Gil Paterson, will the cabinet secretary guarantee that, if Scotland separates from the UK, the pension age will not increase beyond 66? If she cannot guarantee that, will she tell us that that means that the pension age might well rise beyond 66?
That is a curious question from the member given that, in its 2010 election manifesto, Labour proposed an increase to 67 in 2036. I am surprised that Hugh Henry is now toeing the Tory line by accelerating that change to 2026.
I made it clear in my original answer that we will set up an independent commission to consider what is affordable and fair for Scotland. That commission will report to the Parliament—[Interruption.]
We will hear the questions and the answers.
All members will be able to make a decision on what is best, affordable and fair for Scotland. I cannot see any reasonable person disagreeing with that.
Training, Youth and Women’s Employment
Women’s Employment
To ask the Scottish Government how many women with children under the age of five are seeking employment. (S4O-03246)
The monthly unemployment figures do not break down to that level of detail. However, we know from a range of international evidence, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 2011 report “Doing Better for Families”, that childcare is a key factor in helping women into work.
We also know that the number of women in work has risen by 38,000 over the past year—a 1.7 percentage point increase. That is real progress and, with the massive expansion of childcare that will commence this August, we hope that even more progress will be made as a result of the Government’s commitment to getting more women the jobs that they need.
The Scottish National Party’s white paper childcare policies have been completely discredited by the Scottish Parliament information centre’s analysis, which shows that tens of thousands of missing mums with young children would be needed for the policies to be self-funding.
If the cabinet secretary disputes that, will she confirm that economic modelling has been done specifically on the childcare policies, and that the Government has refused to publish it under freedom of information legislation? In the interests of an informed debate, will she publish that economic modelling?
The real issue is that Mr Bibby either does not understand, or deliberately misunderstands, the transformational nature of the childcare policies that the Government proposes because—as has been acknowledged even in the SPICe paper—we are talking not only about parents who currently have children under the age of five. We all know that there are 55,000 births a year in Scotland—another fact that has been agreed by SPICe—so our policies will not impact only on those who currently have very small children, but will have a year-on-year impact.
It is also important to acknowledge that the gender gap in employment continues even for those with children at school; even for parents with children between the ages of 12 and 18, there is an 8 per cent employment gap. We want to address that. Women are lost to the labour market—[Interruption.]
Mr Bibby!
We want those women to be given real opportunity and real choice.
As members are well aware, the Government is well within its rights to commission all sorts of advice when it pursues and develops policies.
I welcome the fact that 38,000 more women are in employment than were in employment a year ago. Despite what Neil Bibby says, does the cabinet secretary agree that the childcare proposals that are outlined in “Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland” will help many more women back into work?
Yes—indeed, I do. The labour market statistics for women are encouraging: women in Scotland outperform women elsewhere in the United Kingdom—we have lower female unemployment, higher female employment and lower female inactivity.
However, the Government acknowledges that there is much more to do and that we must always search beneath the headline statistics to get the real story because, although the headline employment indicators for women are improving, there are many real issues for women the length and breadth of Scotland in terms of the type of work that they obtain, which is reflected in pay levels.
If the cabinet secretary is so committed to that very important issue, will she publish the economic analysis for which Mr Bibby asked and on which her policy is predicated?
With respect, I answered Mr Bibby’s question straightly and fairly and said that Governments—all Governments: this one and previous Administrations—are well within their rights in gathering information in the course of developing policies and future plans. I believe that a freedom of information request has been submitted. The appropriate people will consider that request in the appropriate manner.
Long-term Unemployment (Women)
To ask the Scottish Government what role early intervention has in tackling the long-term unemployment of women. (S4O-03247)
Scottish ministers believe that early intervention is key to preventing long-term unemployment, which is why we have detailed in “Scotland’s Future” our plan for employment services in an independent Scotland to be built on the principle of early intervention, in order to seek to prevent individuals from becoming long-term unemployed. An early assessment of need can provide support when it is required, rather than after nine or 10 months, as happens under the current system.
We all know that there is a skills gap in science and engineering, particularly among women. Bearing that in mind, does the cabinet secretary agree that the East Kilbride & District Engineering Group Training Association’s initiative to have a girls into engineering open day, which it held yesterday, provides a way of offering early intervention, because it can help schoolgirls to choose the subjects that will enable them to move into modern apprenticeships and careers in engineering? Would the Government consider adopting such an initiative?
Yes. I am open to hearing about a range of initiatives and proposals—in particular with a view to increasing the proportion of girls who pursue training or careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.
It is very good to hear of the specific initiative of having a targeted open day to encourage young girls to pursue engineering careers. It reminds me of the point that we should never fail to make: addressing inequality in the labour market is not just the right thing to do, but is actually the smart thing to do, because it helps us tap into all the talents of the entire population and helps business to address issues such as the skills gap.
It is also important to acknowledge that this week is Scottish apprenticeship week.
Since 2011, the number of males not in education, employment or training has fallen by 4,000, which is very welcome. However, the number of females in the same category, between the ages of 16 and 19, has risen by 1,000. Can the cabinet secretary explain why?
The figures on people not in education, employment or training are always very interesting. It is important to recognise that over the past year those figures have decreased by 4,000 or 5,000 overall. For the first time in quite a few years, the number of people who are not in education, employment or training is below 30,000.
It is not unusual to see a fluctuation by about 1,000 in either gender. What is interesting is that for the first time we are seeing a levelling of the statistics between the sexes; the norm is usually that young men outnumber young women. We have to have a proper look at that. We may be having some success with boys in that age group, but we do not want that to result in the number of girls in exclusion creeping up.
I remind members that brief questions and answers would be welcome.
Company Boards (Female Participation)
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it has set a target of 40 per cent of women on the boards of companies in the event of independence. (S4O-03248)
Women’s representation in all areas of Scottish life is a priority for the Government and we are leading by example, with 40 per cent of the Cabinet now being women. A consultation on 40 per cent minimum targets for gender quotas on public boards is under way. The Government also believes that increased diversity is good for business, and will give due consideration to the position in respect of company boards by working with businesses, once we have control of all the required powers, post-independence.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that the 40 per cent target should not be adopted or accepted as a norm, and does she accept that we should provide appropriate support facilities and create a level playing field for women and, indeed, minorities, so that all appointments to boards are based only on ability and merit?
I do not see increasing the proportion of women on boards and making appointments on merit as being mutually exclusive. The Government’s position is that women’s board representation should be at least 40 per cent. That is very important.
There are very good business reasons for wanting more women on boards. We are concerned that, at United Kingdom level, we may not meet the 2015 target of 25 per cent of boards’ being women; progress seems to have stalled. There is important research that shows that boards with women outperform boards that do not have a gender balance, which means that addressing issues of inequality and promoting quality is not only right, but is good for business.
Massive Open Online Courses
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the role of massive open online courses in improving the employment prospects of women and young people. (S4O-03249)
The Scottish Government recognises the contribution that massive open online courses—or MOOCs—can make to the development of knowledge and skills, and to improving the employability of a wide range of people. MOOCs may benefit women and young people in particular—for example, where working patterns, caring responsibilities or financial constraints make travel to a college or university campus a barrier to learning.
I agree that it can be a real benefit for an individual to be able access free or nearly free educational content at a time of their choosing. However, there is clear and growing evidence that MOOCs have the greatest benefit, in terms of throughput to formal education or greater employment prospects, when actual course credit is available and when there is some degree of real-world connection between students. That could be provided at a community level; it does not have to come through educational institutions.
Perhaps the Government could look further at that and talk to the various agencies that could provide that support to women, young people and others who could gain greater benefit from the ability to access online educational content.
I think that we get the point, Mr Harvie—thank you.
I agree with Mr Harvie’s comments. MOOCs are an important part of the overall journey, but it is important to recognise opportunities to accredit learning where they exist. MOOCs do not necessarily replace more formalised learning, but they can enhance it.
Mr Harvie may be interested to note that the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council will invest £1.3 million over three years to look at best practice in that area, and in particular to develop better peer support and raise awareness. I am sure that we can feed in his comments about accreditation as part of that work.
Engineering (Modern Apprenticeships)
To ask the Scottish Government what importance it places on modern apprenticeships in engineering. (S4O-03250)
Engineering is an important sector for Scotland and has the potential to make a significant contribution to economic growth. The latest Office for National Statistics survey shows that more than 56,000 people are working directly in Scotland’s engineering and allied industries sector.
As such, it is critical that we develop the necessary skills for our future engineering workforce. One way in which we can achieve that is through the modern apprenticeship programme. Between April and December 2013, there were 1,665 modern apprenticeship starts, with 5,522 modern apprentices currently in training on engineering-related frameworks.
The Angus Training Group in my constituency has just confirmed that it will have a full complement of 75 engineering apprentices for the year commencing August 2014. Indeed, if space at the Arbroath premises allowed, it could have taken on another 15 young people.
Does the cabinet secretary agree that that demonstrates not only that youngsters are keen to get into the field, but that, given that 54 of the trainees are involved with oil and gas companies, the doom and gloom that is spread by the better together campaign about the future of Scotland’s offshore energy industry could not be more wide of the mark?
There are jobs in oil and gas, of course—that is a very important message for young people, by which I mean young women and young men the length and breadth of Scotland, not just in Angus. There are 24 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas in our sea.
Given that this is Scottish apprenticeship week, I am particularly glad to hear of the success of the Angus Training Group. I hope that it can resolve its accommodation issues and get up to 90 apprenticeship starts, which would be particularly welcome.
Employment (Gender Segregation)
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to reduce the level of gender segregation in certain industries. (S4O-03251)
The Scottish Government is working to address gender segregation through its strategic approach and through allocation of funding of £1.5 million for 2012 to 2015 to Equate Scotland, the close the gap project and the Careerwise initiative. The occupational segregation cross-directorate working group is driving the work forward and reports to the strategic group on women and work, which I chair. Reducing gender segregation requires a life-stage approach that breaks down barriers throughout education and training. For example, the group recently discussed work to improve the gender balance in modern apprenticeships and in other programmes that feed into the most segregated industries.
Does the cabinet secretary share my concern at the figures that have been received through a freedom of information request by my colleague Jackie Baillie, which show that, of 1,209 hairdressing students in training places in 2013, only 7 per cent were men, despite the fact that some of the most famous hairdressers in the world are men?
Is the cabinet secretary as alarmed as I am that the engineering industry training programme is dominated by one gender, with only 3 per cent of the 3,671 training places taken up by females and that, furthermore, in plumbing, which is one of the worst industries for female participation, the female participation rate was less than 2 per cent in 2013?
Yes, I share Mr Simpson’s concerns, although with one small caveat, which is that it is important that, as well as encouraging more women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics, we are careful to ensure that we continue to value the work that women are traditionally attracted to. The Government is on record—and I certainly am—as wanting to do more to get women into STEM and to get more men into childcare, which is important in relation to our children’s development needs.
There is no easy or quick answer. Occupational segregation is reflected in the wider labour market, but nonetheless we wish to challenge it and change it. That needs to start from the work that we do with children in the early years and in our schools and continue all the way through our education and training system and, crucially, the work that we do with employers. I anticipate that the forthcoming final report of the Wood commission, which will be published in the next few weeks, will have important recommendations.
Modern Apprenticeships (Assessment of Benefits)
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will develop appropriate outcome-based measures to assess the long-term benefits of modern apprenticeships, as recommended by Audit Scotland. (S4O-03252)
A key achievement of our modern apprenticeship programme in Scotland is that 100 per cent of apprentices are, and always have been, employed. While undertaking an apprenticeship, the individual obtains training and qualifications that will not only support them in their current role but benefit them in their future career. Research from Skills Development Scotland shows that, of those who complete apprenticeships, 92 per cent are in work six months later and 79 per cent are in full-time employment.
We appreciate, however, that we can improve how we monitor the programme’s long-term outcomes. We will consider how best to do that, as we implement the recommendations from the recent Audit Scotland report on the programme and the forthcoming Wood commission report, and through Skills Development Scotland’s on-going evaluation activity.
As the cabinet secretary said, this is Scottish apprenticeship week. I know that she has welcomed the Audit Scotland report on the programme. According to that report, the last time that the Scottish Government published an explicit statement of its overall aim for modern apprenticeships was back in 2007. Since then, the economy has been through the recession and a rebalancing of its structure. To reflect that and to better understand the long-term benefits of modern apprenticeships, as the cabinet secretary discussed, does she believe that the time is right to go beyond the annual ministerial guidance letter to Skills Development Scotland and develop a revised strategy that puts the qualitative before the quantitative?
The objectives of the 2007 skills strategy still stand in relation to the apprenticeship programme, which is about developing skills in work, particularly for young people. It is important to recognise that the Government is about continuous improvement and that the Audit Scotland report acknowledged the tremendous successes of the apprenticeship programme during a difficult time.
However, as we have learned from other European countries that have developed long-term outcomes-based research in this area, it is important that we get a better grasp of the improved career opportunities for young people who take on apprenticeships, the improved impact on businesses and the impact on young people’s individual earnings. We can certainly learn a lot from our nearest friends and neighbours in Europe about how we get a more holistic understanding of the long-term impacts of our very successful Scottish apprenticeship programme.
Finally, according to recent statistics, people with a modern apprenticeship qualification have an employment rate of 91.4 per cent.
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