EMPLOYERS and parents in Aberdeen are being invited to share their views on how access to things like childcare, transport and skills can have an impact on getting parents into jobs they want and need.
The Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee is running a call for views following visits to meet parents and employers in different areas around Scotland, including the east end of Glasgow, North Ayrshire and Uist in the Outer Hebrides.
Key themes raised during the visits have included the availability and cost of transport, access to and the flexibility of childcare provided by local authorities and support to help parents who are looking for work to get flexible, well-paid and secure jobs.
Some useful approaches to supporting parents and employers have also been identified. The ability for parents to access support in a variety of ways known as No Wrong Door featured strongly in feedback from groups the Committee met in North Ayrshire. Members also spoke to participants in the council’s We Work for Families project, who were particularly positive about the support they had received and the dedication of the staff who provided the service.
In Uist people spoke about challenges around the distribution of amenities across the islands and access to family-friendly housing. However, having access to flexible childcare at Cothrom, a social enterprise based on the island, was identified as a positive. There was also positive feedback on partnership working on the islands.
The Committee would like to hear the views of people in other areas of Scotland. The call for views, which is open on the Parliament’s website until 5 April 2023, builds upon the issues and ideas raised with the Committee and asks people for their thoughts on what changes the Scottish Government could do that would have the most impact.
The Committee is particularly interested in hearing from parents facing circumstances that may be more challenging, including lone parents, parents from an ethnic minority background, families with a disabled child or adult, young mothers, parents with a child under one and families with three or more children.
Natalie Don MSP, Deputy Convener of the Social Justice and Social Security Committee, said:
“So far, this inquiry has taken the Committee to Scotland’s cities, towns and rural areas. The feedback we have heard has been both heart-breaking and inspirational.
“We chose to launch this inquiry because we understood that times are difficult for parents, but we have heard and seen ideas of how things could be different. Now we want to ask people across Scotland for their thoughts on what changes could be made and what the priorities should be.
“If you are a parent, an employer or you provide support to parents and children, please share your views with us. Your thoughts will help shape our recommendations to the Scottish Government.”
