Is public money ‘fair’?

'Fair Work First’ now determines how Scotland spends public money with explicit criteria attached to the bulk of public contracts and grants.

The Scottish Government’s newly published independent review of their Fair Work First policy explores whether it has been delivered as intended.

Does it...

• Reward Fair Work employers

• Encourage others to step up

• Ensure public money has a positive impact

Given that the SG’s data reveals that in 2024-25 a total of 5,234 grants worth £3.42billion were issued with Fair Work First conditions met, a year on year increase, it is certainly a success to applaud.

The evaluation is modest and honest, that ‘Ultimately, whilst it is difficult to attribute Fair Work First as a sole driver in influencing workplace practices in funded organisations, evidence suggests that the policy has helped to ensure that public funds are reaching organisations which are modelling fair work practice.’

There's always more to do - for specific sectors such as care and hospitality, and for groups such as those with disabilities.

Our Edinburgh Fair Work Action Group helps employers understand Fair Work principles, applying them for the good of their team, business and broader community all of whom benefit. Heartening to see this aspiration acknowledged and rewarded by Government policy and, with the world-first Community Wealth Building legislation, there could be real change ahead for the better.

Mercat is here for good