Scottish Labour will back a major overhaul of the skills system to help young Scots access training and secure well paid jobs. Party leader Anas Sarwar will tell his conference today his priority will be the majority of school leavers who do not attend university.
Scottish Labour meet in Glasgow after a spate of opinion polls show their popularity is waning. Sarwar will unveil new policies on the NHS and the cost of the living crisis in a bid to present an alternative to the SNP.
He will also focus on the Scots who do not enter higher education after school. His party wants to revamp the careers advice service so it is aligned with industry and the jobs market. Labour plan to create a new “pathway” helping school leavers fulfill their ambitions without having to choose higher education.
In his conference speech, Sarwar is expected to say: “Right now more and more young Scots are struggling to thrive – feeling frozen out of the job market and the housing ladder.
“That’s why a Scottish Labour government will be with young Scots – every step of the way from school, through education and into the world of work. First and foremost this is realising that university is not the only path to success for everyone.
“Yes, we have some of the best universities in the world. But well over half of our young people don’t go straight to University. So whatever path they choose – university, college, apprenticeship or work they deserve the same support, guidance and championing as their peers. As First Minister I will deliver for every young Scot.”
He will also say: “We have skills gaps across key parts of our economy. Sectors with the potential for expansion and well-paid, skilled jobs, if only they could get the talent. I will make sure our young people can take advantage of the opportunities in our economy.
“We will work with businesses and education providers to agree to new Scottish Industry Standards – linking young people’s school studies to the jobs of the future. They will give clarity to employers about how the achievements of young people relate to their workplaces.
“And they will give young people a clear line of sight between the subjects they pick in school and the exciting potential jobs open to them. And as First Minister I will do all I can to make sure that every Scot can reach their potential – that is the new direction we will deliver.”
In an interview with the Record’s Planet Holyrood podcast, Sarwar also revealed a future Labour government would scrap peak rail fares reintroduced by the SNP Government.
Sarwar also said he would “love” to cut income tax rates that have risen in recent years. He also wants to address the 50% marginal rate of tax – covering income tax and national insurance – Scots earning £45,000 a year pay.
He said this “discrepancy” is hitting people on middle incomes and having a “detrimental impact on attracting talent into Scotland”. He said: “That will have to be corrected, but we will have to do that in a way that is sound with the public finances.”
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