Meeting of the Parliament 26 November 2015
Yesterday, the chancellor clearly set out the position on tax credits. I will leave it to him and his explanation for that, rather than get involved and reopen that issue.
When we speak of a jobs miracle, it is not an idle boast. It can be seen in our constituencies and in every corner of the country. It is also not a dry statistic, but the reality of thousands more people with the security of a regular wage coming in. We know that many women are still more often found in low-paid, part-time and less secure employment. It is therefore welcome that we have seen greatest growth in full-time work and that wages are growing consistently while inflation remains effectively flat.
Part-time work will always afford a level of flexibility, and for many it will be a choice, but we should also be consider the level of those who are in part-time jobs and seek full-time work—those classed as involuntary part-time workers. Therefore, we should celebrate the considerable advances in childcare provision across the UK. All the main parties represented in this chamber have had a hand in placing that on the agenda, albeit with a number of important differences in our respective approaches. That solid groundwork allows a widening of opportunity and aspiration for a great many women. That is beneficial not only on an individual level but across our society. It is harnessing the skills and knowledge that have in the past been absent—often not by choice—from the labour market.
The committee is of course right to consider where our welfare system may fall short for women. The report suggests that women have, for example, a poorer experience of the work programme. Although it is essential to see more evidence of that, it is important information and the Scottish Government should keep it in mind when crafting its replacement programmes following the passage of the Scotland Bill.
We should also consider the policies that have benefited women. I have already spoken of childcare and will consider some other measures. The increase in the personal allowance this year has taken a further 430,000 people across the United Kingdom out of paying income tax altogether, two thirds of whom will be women. The national living wage, announced by the chancellor in the summer budget, will directly increase the income of around three working women in every 10. That not only is a pay rise but will have a positive impact on the gender pay gap as well as providing a great deal of support for many women who are in part-time work.
As the further powers that were promised in the Smith agreement make us think seriously about the future of social security in Scotland, the committee should continue to reflect on the impact on women. We must also work to build on the many significant successes that have already taken place.