Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government has maintained close contact with the financial services sector in Scotland since the EU referendum. In our discussions we have heard repeatedly of the importance of EU membership, in terms of both a market for financial services and as a source of qualified, experienced staff.

While there has been press speculation on the potential for movement of headquarters from the UK we have not been notified of any confirmed intention to move headquarters or staff.

It is essential that the UK Government clarifies its position on membership of the single market and the needs of the financial sector. The Scottish Government will explore differential options for Scotland and is considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland's continuing relationship with the EU.

Following the Plenary Session of the Joint Ministerial Committee on 24 October 2016 the First Minister released a statement on the outcomes of that meeting and on-going Scottish Government priorities. The statement is available to view on the Scottish Government website here:

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/news/joint-ministerial-committee-on-eu-referendum

I subsequently gave a statement to Parliament on Tuesday 26 October 2016 updating members on events and discussions relevant to Scotland’s continued relationship with the European Union. In that statement, I made reference to discussions held at the Plenary Session and the creation of a new JMC sub-committee on EU Negotiations. A transcript of that statement is available as part of the Parliament’s Official Report here:

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10580&i=97355

We have also written to the Conveners of the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Constitution and Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committees to report to members on the outcomes of the Plenary Session and to direct them towards the Joint Communique agreed between the 4 Administrations, available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/joint-ministerial-committee-communique-24-october-2016

The Scottish Government is committed to protecting Scotland’s relationship with the EU, following Scotland’s unequivocal vote to retain the wide range of economic and social benefits membership provides. We are considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland’s continuing relationship with the EU and will work with others to try and avoid a ‘hard brexit’ which removes the UK not just from the EU but from the single market as well. We are engaged at ministerial and official level with the UK Government to ensure the best outcome for Scotland following the EU referendum, and in the meantime continue to welcome fellow EU nationals to make Scotland their home.

Industrial action is not in the interests of anyone, least of all young people.

We have recently announced concrete proposals to address workload issues. I am pleased that the Educational Institute of Scotland’s action in relation to SQA activity has been suspended in response to the changes to the National Qualifications that will reduce assessment-related workload.

I am disappointed that SSTA is continuing with its action short of strike, given that we have put in place a package of measures to address unnecessary bureaucracy and liberate teachers to focus on teaching their pupils. This commenced on 24 October and SSTA initial guidance to its members advises them to adhere to school working time agreements and manage their workload within the contractual 35 hour working week.

Education Scotland will monitor the situation, liaising regularly with Local Authorities.

The number of college student enrolments on full-time recognised qualifications is published by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) in the National Statistics publication ‘College Performance Indicators’.

Data for 2016-17 is not available as the most recent publication covers 2014-15.

Details of student enrolments in college is published by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and made publicly available on the SFC’s Infact database.

* ‘Category of student’ captures college students’ primary status at time of application. Those recorded as ‘Permanent or Temporary Employment’ will be in employment. ‘Other categories’ of student may include some applicants in some form of employment, but this is not captured alongside their primary status (e.g. school based students).

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-03855 on 3 November 2016. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-03854 on 3 November 2016. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.

Developing the new good design guidance will involve looking at leading practice in Scotland and further afield. It is too early to say which specific countries will be looked at in developing the guidance, although this is likely to encompass countries both within and beyond Europe. Direct input from both the Care Inspectorate, based on latest inspection evidence, and the Scottish Futures Trust, based on their experiences of overseeing development of the ‘Scotland’s Schools of the Future’ programme, will ensure that the guidance developed is of high quality.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-03855 on 3 November 2016. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx.