Young People in Scotland: Employment Opportunities

Debate between Lord Sarwar and Lord Barber of Ainsdale

Monday 14th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Sarwar (Lab)]

I thank the noble Earl for his question. We were due to meet last week, but, sadly, Ministers in the devolved Administrations had to rearrange. I look forward to meeting very soon, and I will ensure that youth unemployment is high up the agenda.

[Lord Barber of Ainsdale (Lab)]

My Lords, does my noble friend agree that, as ACAS research has shown, commercial and competitive success in delivering job opportunities is much more likely to be achieved in workplaces where people feel valued and respected and their voice can be heard—key objectives being delivered by the Employment Relations Act, in Scotland as in England and Wales?

[Lord Sarwar (Lab)]

I wholeheartedly agree with my noble friend. Let me again demonstrate how important these reforms are. In April 2026, the Government strengthened statutory sick pay, introduced day-one rights to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave, and launched the Fair Work Agency. Further measures will be delivered in phases through 2026 and 2027, giving businesses and workers time to prepare. Let me emphasise a point I have not had a chance to make so far. The significant rise in the national minimum wage for young people is good, I believe, for employers and workplaces and for employees. I think it is perfectly fair that if a person is doing the same work, they should rightly expect to have the same pay.