With this it will be convenient to discuss the following:
Amendment 121, page 27, leave out lines 27 to 29 and insert—
“(b) assisting persons (including persons claiming reserved benefits) who are unemployed or at risk of long-term unemployment to select, obtain and retain employment”.
Amendments 120, 121 and 122 make provision for the Scottish Parliament to have power to legislate on arrangements for employment support programmes.
Amendment 113, page 27, line 29, leave out
“where the assistance is for at least a year”.
This would allow the provision of employment programmes where assistance is for less than a year. The Scottish Government could develop support programmes for those who repeatedly move in and out of short periods of work, or admit people to the Work Programme early.
Amendment 122, page 27, line 34, leave out “another person” and insert
“a person other than the person making the arrangements”.
Amendments 120, 121 and 122 make provision for the Scottish Parliament to have power to legislate on arrangements for employment support programmes.
Amendment 9, page 27, line 36, after “person”, insert
“in conjunction with the local authority”.
Amendment 114, page 27, line 39, at end insert—
“(b) provision of support for disabled persons in the form of non-repayable payments to enable them to access employment, remain in employment, or move into self-employment or start a business.”
This amendment provides for the devolution of the Access-to-work scheme.
Amendment 10, page 27, line 41, at end insert “and
(d) temporary jobs paid at least the national minimum wage providing a route back into further work.”
Clauses 26 to 30 stand part.
New clause 43—Job search and support—
In Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998, omit Section H3 (job search and support).”
This new clause would devolve employment support programmes to the Scottish Parliament.