Chamber and committees

(a) The Scottish Government is taking effective steps to meet the needs of an evolving labour market by promoting employer business models that commit to investing in evidence-based human resources development.

In September 2021, the Scottish Government established a short-life Business Purpose Commission for Scotland, to promote more purposeful businesses and better corporate governance. The Commission is tasked with examining issues related to that agenda, which includes business models, improving understanding of purpose as a way of retaining and attracting talent, and developing recommendations for how more purposeful businesses can be supported in Scotland. The Commission is currently in evidence gathering stage, with hundreds of businesses having already provided evidence via the business purpose question included in the Quarterly Fraser of Allander Scottish Business Monitor (Q3) and the Commission's call for evidence, which closed on 10 December 2021. Thematic workshops are also scheduled to take place in January 2022, to gather further evidence.

(b) The Scottish Government is likewise taking effective steps to meet the needs of an evolving labour market by ensuring that employability programmes focus on developing skills and providing quality work.

Through No One Left Behind, we are working with partners to implement an approach to employability that is person-centred, flexible and responsive to local labour market needs. We are working collaboratively across sectors to ensure our services contribute to tackling poverty and inequalities, and that people who want help to find and remain in work have access to the help and support they need. Our flagship employability service, Fair Start Scotland has supported over 13,000 people into work since launching in April 2018. We continue to focus on improving our services for those further from the labour market, offering 12-18 months of pre-employment support and a further 12 months of in-work support for participants and their employers to encourage sustained employment.

Unemployed individuals can also currently access key skills provision to support their return to work which is targeted at areas of growth or labour market and skills shortages. This includes the National Transition Training Fund for those aged 25 and over and – where applicable, Individual Training Accounts.

The ambition of the Young Person’s Guarantee is that every person aged between 16 and 24 will have the opportunity to study; take up an apprenticeship, job or work experience; or participate in formal volunteering. There are now 382 employers signed up to the Young Person's Guarantee, generating in excess of 7,400 additional opportunities. In 2020-22, we have provided additional funding of up to £130m with the aim of supporting over 24,000 new and enhanced employment, training and educational opportunities for young people, with a particular focus on supporting those who face additional challenges in participating in the labour market. A further £45m will be invested in 2022-23. Local Authority Employer Recruitment Incentives (ERIs) also remain in place to support young people into employment, including apprenticeships, particularly individuals who experience difficulties accessing the labour market.

The information requested is management information and is not currently published, however, Public Health Scotland produce a weekly COVID-19 Statistical Report, with the most recent version being published on 7 January 2022. This report provides a range of information including the number of LFDs reported through various channels in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has enough testing stock to meet demand into next year and we are working with the UK Government on procuring additional stocks.

A requirement to keep at least 1 metre physical distancing between groups in hospitality and leisure settings came into force at 5 am on 27 December. Also from 27 December (at 5 am), we have put in place a table service requirement for hospitality venues serving alcohol for consumption on the premises. Venues such as hospitality within theatres, which are unable to operate a table service, are required to put in place an adequate queue management system which maintains physical distancing. However, these measures do not apply to educational settings, workplaces, retail, public buildings and places of worship. These measures will remain into force at least until 17 January when their necessity and proportionality will be next reviewed in light of the latest data and evidence.  

We know meaningful, fair work can provide important benefits for people’s mental health and wellbeing. Creating workplaces which support and promote good mental health benefits individuals and employers.

Our ‘Mental Health – Transition and Recovery Plan’ outlines our response to the mental health impacts of COVID-19 and our commitments to support mental health and wellbeing. The plan includes key employment actions to promote and support mental wellbeing at work.

A Short Life Working Group, consisting of employer groups, trade unions and mental health organisations has been established to help take forward key employment actions. The group is working collaboratively to identify the issues and challenges employers are facing in supporting mental health in a range of different workplaces, including office and home-based environments. The outcomes of this will inform the next steps to be undertaken to ensure employers have the support they need to create mentally healthy workplaces, free of stigma and discrimination across all sectors.

The group has a dedicated sub-group reviewing current national guidance on safer workplaces, including guidance on home working to ensure it reflects the importance of looking after employees’ mental wellbeing while working from home, and signposting to appropriate sources of advice and support.

I refer the member to the answer to question S6W-04215 on 20 December 2021 . All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The First Minister announced funding to support small and medium-sized businesses to improve their ventilation. The Business Ventilation Fund opened for applications on Tuesday 23rd November 2021.

The impact and effectiveness of the fund is being carried out in early January to consider take up and a full evaluation will be conducted on closure of the Fund in April. This will include reach by sectors and size of business.

A webpage is being set up for the Covid Ventilation Short Life Working Group, and the minutes will be available on there in due course.

The Scottish Government fleet (including Government Car Service and Transport Scotland) is currently made up of 221 vehicles.

This number will reduce in the coming weeks, as new vehicles are issued and their replacements are disposed.

The following table details the fleet broken down by purpose, manufacturer and model and year of registration.

The Core Scottish Government has not purchased any standard bicycles since 2007. The Core Scottish Government does not own any standard bicycles.

The Scottish Government holds cycle friendly employer status from Cycling Scotland. The Scottish Government offers a cycle to work scheme which allows staff to hire a bike and safety equipment, paid for through monthly salary deductions.

The core Scottish Government has not purchased any electric bicycles since 2007. The Core Scottish Government does not own any electric bicycles.

The Scottish Government holds cycle friendly employer status from Cycling Scotland. The Scottish Government offers a cycle to work scheme which allows staff to hire a bike and safety equipment, paid for through monthly salary deductions.

During COP 26, 13 electric bikes and associated equipment (helmets, Hi-vis, lights, locks etc) were loaned from Energy Savings Trust (EST) to Transport Scotland for the duration of the conference. The electric bikes were for Scottish Ministerial and senior officials use.

The electric bikes have subsequently been returned to EST.