The Child Poverty Bill, introduced by the Scottish Government in 2017, sets out key targets to reduce the number of children experiencing poverty. By 2030, the Scottish Government aims to see fewer than 10% of children living in Scottish households in relative poverty; fewer than 5% in absolute poverty; fewer than 5% with combined low income and material deprivation; and fewer than 5% in persistent poverty.
Action to create and sustain good jobs – that is jobs that are secure and meaningful, with decent pay and flexibility – is essential to reduce inequality and poverty, and for Scotland to meet these targets.
Learning and Work Institute (L&W) has undertaken research on behalf of the Poverty and Inequality Commission to inform the development of its advice and recommendations on how the Scottish Government can support the creation of more ‘good jobs’ and reduce in-work poverty as part of this plan.
The research explores:
- The current state of job quality in Scotland, and how it varies across different groups and places
- How employment and core measures of job quality are likely to change by 2027
- The policy and delivery mechanisms the Scottish government, and other agencies, including local authorities, have available to support the creation of more good jobs
- What works to increase the number and proportion of ‘good jobs’.
We also identify key areas where the Scottish Government should prioritise action and investment to support the creation of more ‘good jobs’ and help people to access them.
