Why is this National Outcome important?
If everyone has the opportunity to work, improve their skills and make a positive contribution to the nation's increasing prosperity, we will create a wealthier, fairer and smarter Scotland. We want to see more of Scotland's people in higher-skilled and better-paid jobs.
Historically, a perceived lack of high quality employment opportunities in Scotland has been linked with a drift into inactivity, particularly among older workers, and an exodus of the nation's young and skilled talent.
What will influence this National Outcome?
Realising the full potential of Scotland's people will require the wider attainment of higher skills, the removal of barriers to work, including support for carers, parents, disabled people, and minority ethnic communities, and a continuing commitment to innovation and the application of knowledge in our economy.
Scotland's highly educated and skilled workforce is one of our greatest assets. If we are to derive full benefit from the nation's human capital, we need to build on and broaden areas of comparative advantage in the global economy. This means, for example, expanding established areas of success and facilitating and accelerating emerging areas.
What is the Government's role?
Our role is to promote the conditions for sustainable economic success and better employment opportunities. This requires a joined-up approach to support business growth and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to work, improve their skills and make a positive contribution to the nation's increasing prosperity.
Our approach includes laying the foundations for the future wellbeing and achievement of our children and young people, increasing skill levels across the population and supporting the flow of knowledge from our universities and colleges into sustainable wealth creation. The benefits of this will be realised in a society where the opportunity to succeed is within everyone's reach and where full use is made of people's skills to boost productivity and economic growth.
In terms of labour market participation, we aim to bring more people into the workforce, address persistent pockets of unemployment and underemployment, and help to tackle inequality and social exclusion.
Related Strategic Objectives
Wealthier and Fairer
Smarter
Related National Indicators
Increase the number of businesses
Increase exports
Improve knowledge exchange from university research
Improve the skill profile of the population
Improve levels of educational attainment
Increase the proportion of young people in learning, training or work
Increase the proportion of graduates in positive destinations
Increase the number of new homes
Increase renewable electricity production