Question reference: S6W-18199
- Asked by: Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 22 May 2023
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 1 June 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17602 by Neil Gray on 12 May 2023, under the Fair Work First Framework on conditionality for public sector grants, which grant funders are subject to applying conditionality on (a) effective voice and (b) Real Living Wage under these rules, and whether there are any public sector grant funders that are exempt from doing so.
Answer
As part of the landmark Bute House Agreement between the Scottish Government and Scottish Green Party, we are strengthening our approach to fair work conditionality in public sector grants.
The conditionality will apply to grants awarded across the public sector on or after 1 July 2023 and introduces a requirement to pay at least the real Living Wage to all employees, and provide appropriate channels for effective voice.
Limited exceptions may apply to ensure the conditions remain proportionate, and our Fair Work First guidance provides further detail on this. The conditionality does not apply retrospectively to public sector grants awarded before 1 July 2023, and will apply to recipients of eligible agriculture grants awarded on or after 1 April 2024.
The Scottish Government expects public sector grants awarded before 1 July 2023 which involve multi-year funding to incorporate this conditionality as part of the grant agreement for any subsequent funding years for the project concerned. We have published updated Fair Work First guidance to assist grant recipients and funders with implementing this stronger conditionality.