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.

Some care workers are being paid as little as £5 an hour – well below the legal minimum wage – according to a new report from independent think tank the Resolution Foundation, which describes the practice as a “national scandal”.

From 1st October 2012 the National Minimum Wage (NMW) has risen in accordance with the recommendations set out by the Low Pay Commission in its 2012 report.

The Government has written to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) setting out its remit for its 2013 Report.