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Industry Leadership Group review

28th July 2020

Responding to publication of a review of Industry Leadership Groups, carried out by the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Industry Leadership Groups are a crucial way for the Scottish Government and our agencies to interact with businesses and make sure we are responding properly to their needs and concerns.  We…

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Labour market statistics show impact of pandemic

16th June 2020

Between February and April 2020, Scotland’s employment rate estimate fell over the quarter to 74.3% and the unemployment rate estimate rose over the quarter to 4.6%.

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Scottish Apprenticeship Week

2nd March 2020

When I visited Arnold Clark’s training facility in Glasgow recently I couldn’t help but be impressed. Yes, the facilities are great and the investment in staff is clearly a priority. But what impressed me the most was the enthusiastic group of young female automotive apprentices I met, and the support they were getting both from…

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Investing in Scotland’s future skills – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

10th September 2019

Today I was delighted to visit Whitespace in Edinburgh and learn about their innovative approach within the creative industry sector and their commitment to upskilling and training their workforce. Their investment in their employees is evident in the quality of their work and the culture of their business. This type of business is central to…

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Strong and inclusive labour market

13th August 2019

Commenting on the latest ONS labour market statistics update, which cover April 2019 to June 2019, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “These latest results show that Scotland is seeing the benefits of our Labour Market Strategy – driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth through delivering fair and good quality work across our society. “Scotland’s employment…

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Celebrating Skills for Life

6th August 2019

A skilled workforce is the backbone of a strong economy, and Scotland’s economy has gone from strength to strength, despite the shadow of uncertainty cast by Brexit. Our unemployment rate is at a record low, while growth in economic output and exports remain strong. To continue to deliver a workforce that is empowered and confident…

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Consumer Scotland Bill

7th June 2019

Like everyone else, I spend money on buying things and I get frustrated when I feel the service or quality falls below the standard I expected. As the Minister responsible for consumer policy, I recognise this can have consequences for whole groups of people and negatively impact individual lives in serious and long-lasting ways. The…

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A Fairer Economy: Enabling Scotland’s skills for the future

18th January 2019

Delivering a fairer, prosperous economy is a priority for the Scottish Government. And I know that it is a priority for businesses too. To achieve this, we want a fairer labour market and to continue to enhance the skills of our workforce. This year will see us bringing forward a range of measures designed to…

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Living Wage Week

11th November 2018

This week we have been celebrating Living Wage Week 2018. As Minister with responsibility for Fair Work and Business, I have spent the week visiting living wage employees and meeting people who are being paid the living wage rate. I was delighted to welcome the news that rate of the real Living Wage will increase to…

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Labour Market Statistics: April to June 2018

14th August 2018

These are welcome figures. Scotland’s economy and jobs market remains strong despite the continued challenges facing our economy as a result of Brexit uncertainty. Scotland’s employment rate has increased over the quarter, with 2,642,000 people now in work in Scotland. Our unemployment rate fell over the quarter to 4.2%. On female and youth employment, we…

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