Employment (Zero-hours Contracts)

– in the Scottish Parliament at on 4 September 2013.

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Photo of Paul Martin Paul Martin Labour

10. To ask the Scottish Government what the impact is on employment of the reported increase in the use of zero-hours contracts. (S4O-02331)

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

Employment policy is currently reserved to Westminster. However, the Scottish Government is actively considering whether issues around the use of zero-hours contracts can form a legitimate consideration for a public body as part of the public procurement process.

The Scottish Government and its agencies do not directly employ people on zero-hours contracts.

Photo of Paul Martin Paul Martin Labour

Would the cabinet secretary consider writing to every non-departmental public body in Scotland to request that they take steps to ensure that they do not employ anyone directly on a zero-hours contract?

Photo of John Swinney John Swinney Scottish National Party

I am certainly happy to consider Mr Martin’s suggestion. If he has particular issues or concerns about zero-hours contracts, I will be very happy to consider them if he draws them to my attention, as well as to consider the suggestion that he has made today.