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Posted by on in Minimum Wage
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MSPs Launch Inquiry Into Job Quality in Scotland

Scottish ministers have launched an inquiry into the quality of jobs in Scotland following the 2008 recession. It is hoped that the inquiry will allow MSPs to see if the working conditions subjected to Scottish workers has improved followed the tough economic times.

MSPs will also try and assess how the recession and tough economic times have affected health and safety in the workplace as well as employee well-being.  The research carried out will aid the Sottish government is assessing if any areas of employment must be improved or changed.

Committee convener Murdo Fraser said: "The Scottish economy is clearly on the road to recovery but it's important that as politicians we reflect on whether the 2008 recession has had a long-lasting impact on the quality of jobs in the labour market."
He added: "An increase of people in employment is always to be welcomed. However, this inquiry will delve into the issues behind the headlines and determine if job quality has improved.

Other Factors in the Workplace

The inquiry into the well-being inquiry heard from numerous specialists with Martin Taulbut, of NHS Health Scotland, stating that unemployment increases the likelihood of premature death by more than 60%, with some jobs in Scotland being just as bad, if not worse for worker’s well-being that unemployment.

According to Mr Taulbut a series of international studies confirmed that mortality rates were 63% higher among the unemployed. As well as poor practices in the workplace, the inquiry looked to monitor circumstances that led to poor health such as being underpaid.

A a KPMG report estimated that 19% of earners in Scotland were paid below the living wage of £7.85 per hour with the same amount getting no say on their earnings or how they carried out their work, thus leading to poor job satisfaction and poor health in the workplace.

Many of the speakers at the initial stage of the inquiry urged the Scottish government to take action in order to prevent a rise in inequality and harassment of certain workers such as females or those taking maternity leave.

Wage Inequality in the Workplace

Your employer has a duty of care to you and your colleagues when working, failure in upholding this breach of contract can result in legal action and criminal proceedings against an employer. An employer must provide the correct equipment that is suitable for the workplace as well as adequate safety equipment to work in.

Furthermore, your employer is somewhat responsible for your own well-being and must pay you at least the minimum wage for what is legal for your age and sector. Despite more emphasis on fair wages, many employees still suffer from gender and wage inequality.

Contact Us

If you believe that your job is contributing to you poor health or your employer is failing to properly protect staff, you will be able to take legal action. If you require advice regarding equal pay or harassment in the workplace, contact our Edinburgh based solicitors today using our online contact form.

 

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