Make Work Pay Plan 2025-03-05
2025-03-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Residents in Edinburgh South West are concerned about the growing gap in attainment between rich and poor students, as highlighted by a recent Audit Scotland report on support for children with additional needs.
What steps is he taking with Cabinet colleagues to implement the policies in the make work pay plan in Scotland? Residents throughout my constituency welcome the improvements in workers’ rights, but parents are greatly concerned about the impact of the growing gap in attainment in Scottish schools between the richest and the poorest. This week I have been inundated with comments from parents who are worried about the recent Audit Scotland report on support for children with additional needs; it is a disgraceful report.
My hon. Friend is right to raise the concerns of parents who are worried about how their kids will get good jobs. The SNP has said that a zero-hours contract is “a positive destination” for a school leaver, but this Labour Government will ban such exploitative contracts. Labour’s Budget delivered an extra £4.9 billion for Scottish public services, but after 18 years the SNP still does not see Scottish kids as a priority.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps or assurances about education being made a priority by the Scottish Government
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The DUP MP thanks the Minister for her response to Dr Arthur's question about the growing attainment gap and highlights the importance of providing opportunities for children.
I thank the Minister for her response, but more importantly I thank the hon. Member for Edinburgh South West (Dr Arthur) for setting the scene. He has clearly explained the importance of having children, and the importance of their having opportunities. With those opportunities in mind, has the Minister had a chance to discuss with the equivalent Minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly how we can better help our children in Northern Ireland, as she wishes to do in Scotland?
I have not had that chance, but I would be delighted to do so. Scottish education is, of course, devolved to the SNP Government. SNP Members should think long and hard about the fact that they have claimed that it is their No. 1 priority and yet the attainment gap is growing. Working-class kids’ education and exam results were explicitly downgraded by the serving First Minister.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not discuss any plans to collaborate with Northern Ireland regarding educational opportunities for children
Discussed Scottish Education Being Devolved To The Snp Government
Criticised The Snp For Failing On Their Priorities
Response accuracy