The future shape of welfare benefits in Scotland

the view from the employability sector

‘we need to be clear on what the purpose(s) of a benefits system should be, and what specific outcomes it should aim to achieve’ (from the Call for Evidence)

Date and time: 9.30 – 12.30. Friday 6 December
Venue: Britannia Building, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Rd, Glasgow

The Expert Working Group on Welfare set up by the Scottish Government has issued a Call for Evidence on ‘the principles which could underpin a benefits system for people of working age in an independent Scotland’ with a deadline of13 December. For further details, please see http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00434558.pdf (PDF 134KB).

In debates about the purposes of the benefits system, helping people enter work often features alongside reducing poverty and providing social security. Employability providers have a wealth of understanding of the interaction between the benefits system and employment; and many in the sector have views on how policy changes can make their job easier or harder.

This event is an opportunity for the employability sector to consider the questions asked in the call for evidence, aided by expert commentary and a structured programme. It is intended to assist those who are thinking of making a submission. In addition the event will be written up and made available to the Expert Group on Welfare, which is supporting the costs of the event.

Whatever your views on the constitution, this is a debate which will inform policy development either side of the referendum in September 2014.

Speaker: Dr Colin Lindsay, Strathclyde University
Colin has been researching and teaching on employment, skills and social policy for more than thirteen years. His most recent book is ‘Disability benefits, welfare reform and employment policy’ (co-edited with Donald Houston, Palgrave Macmillan, 2013).

Facilitator and Rapporteur: Matthew Crighton, Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion

This event is Free, but booking is necessary. Enquiries: Matthew Crighton, 0131 557 6075..
Please RSVP to matthew.crighton@cesi.org.uk