Jamie Hepburn MSP

Written 23 posts

Minister for Higher Education and Further Education, Youth Employment and Training (Previously: Minister for Employability and Training; Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills; Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health)

Industry Leadership Group review

28th July 2020

Responding to publication of a review of Industry Leadership Groups, carried out by the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Industry Leadership Groups are a crucial way for the Scottish Government and our agencies to interact with businesses and make sure we are responding properly to their needs and concerns.  We…

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Labour market statistics show impact of pandemic

16th June 2020

Between February and April 2020, Scotland’s employment rate estimate fell over the quarter to 74.3% and the unemployment rate estimate rose over the quarter to 4.6%.

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Scottish Apprenticeship Week

2nd March 2020

When I visited Arnold Clark’s training facility in Glasgow recently I couldn’t help but be impressed. Yes, the facilities are great and the investment in staff is clearly a priority. But what impressed me the most was the enthusiastic group of young female automotive apprentices I met, and the support they were getting both from…

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Tackling unfair delivery charges – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

24th December 2019

With the festive season in full swing, buying presents is at the forefront of our minds. And as more of us choose to buy our gifts online, I am concerned that there is still a difference in how parcels are delivered in rural and island areas of Scotland compared to the rest of the United…

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Investing in Scotland’s future skills – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

10th September 2019

Today I was delighted to visit Whitespace in Edinburgh and learn about their innovative approach within the creative industry sector and their commitment to upskilling and training their workforce. Their investment in their employees is evident in the quality of their work and the culture of their business. This type of business is central to…

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Strong and inclusive labour market

13th August 2019

Commenting on the latest ONS labour market statistics update, which cover April 2019 to June 2019, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “These latest results show that Scotland is seeing the benefits of our Labour Market Strategy – driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth through delivering fair and good quality work across our society. “Scotland’s employment…

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Celebrating Skills for Life

6th August 2019

A skilled workforce is the backbone of a strong economy, and Scotland’s economy has gone from strength to strength, despite the shadow of uncertainty cast by Brexit. Our unemployment rate is at a record low, while growth in economic output and exports remain strong. To continue to deliver a workforce that is empowered and confident…

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Year three for Flexible Workforce Development Fund

17th July 2019

As a Government we are working hard to ensure our economy, employers and employees are fit and ready to respond to the changing needs of business and emerging economic demands. We are committed to creating a more successful country and opportunities for people living in Scotland whilst creating sustainable and inclusive growth.  I am delighted…

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Consumer Scotland Bill

7th June 2019

Like everyone else, I spend money on buying things and I get frustrated when I feel the service or quality falls below the standard I expected. As the Minister responsible for consumer policy, I recognise this can have consequences for whole groups of people and negatively impact individual lives in serious and long-lasting ways. The…

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The anniversary of a fairer way to find work

3rd April 2019

One year ago today we launched Scotland’s first, fully devolved employment support service – Fair Start Scotland (FSS). Delivering a fairer, prosperous economy – with a more inclusive workforce – is a priority for the Scottish Government. To achieve this, we aim to deliver a fairer labour market and to continue to enhance the skills…

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