2. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what it is doing to tackle the gender pay gap and promote equal pay. (S6O-02553)

Our 2023 programme for government outlines the direct action that the Scottish Government is taking to tackle gender pay gaps and to promote equal pay in Scotland’s labour markets. That includes action in sectors with historically low pay and job insecurity, where women are disproportionately represented.

From April 2024, adult social care workers who deliver direct care in commissioned services will see their pay increase to a minimum of £12 per hour. Alongside that, we will provide funding to uplift pay in the private, voluntary and independent sector to £12 an hour for those delivering early learning and childcare.

I welcome the Scottish Government’s efforts to close the gender pay gap with a real determination to make progress. It is clear that the United Kingdom Government is holding progress back, and the Labour Party’s appalling record on equal pay is a concern, too. Does the minister agree that, if we aspire to end the gender pay gap using all the tools that are available, it is essential that employment law be devolved to this Parliament?

The member gives yet another reason why employment law should be devolved to the Scottish Parliament and why that should happen as soon as possible. The fact that, at 12.2 per cent versus 14.9 per cent, the median gender pay gap for all employees is lower in Scotland than in the UK as a whole—and has been for many years—as well as the fact that the median gender pay gap for full-time employees, too, is lower in Scotland than in the UK as a whole, shows that in areas where we, as a Parliament, have influence, we are making a real difference to people in Scotland who are affected by this issue. Therefore, the more powers that we have, the more positive a difference that we can make.