JRF commissioned the Fraser of Allander Institute to answer a simple question: how many people want to work and how many jobs are available across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. The answer is far from simple, and reveals local differences that national-level data obscures. It also reveals a path towards reduced child poverty, and increased economic justice.
JRF commissioned the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI) to answer a simple question: how many people want to work and how many jobs are available across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland. The answer is far from simple, and reveals local differences that national-level data obscures. It also reveals a path towards reduced child poverty, and increased economic justice. Scotland too often treats the labour market’s contribution to poverty as a problem with individuals rather than with the jobs available to them.
The FAI’s analysis makes the case for pushing back against that instinct, and makes clear putting the right jobs in the right places should be a far greater part of the response. Policymakers, local authority leads, and employability practitioners should read this JRF briefing alongside the FAI’s report and interactive dashboard to identify where targeted support is most urgently needed, and what type of support will have the greatest chance of impact.