Prosper Response: Scottish Policy Forum

Responding to Scottish Labour’s Scottish Policy Forum Consultation, our Policy Manager Dr Sophie Brett said:

‘We are engaging with all political parties ahead of the next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections. We recently arranged a roundtable with Labour’s Daniel Johnson MSP to discuss how to help businesses to adopt new technologies. We’ve also responded to the Labour’s calls for evidence on Preventative Health Care and Mental Health, along with the Rural Economy.

In our response we highlighted the vital role of employers in improving population health and wellbeing. Employment is one of the biggest influences on good health, and employers have a big role to play in supporting workplace health and wellbeing.

Last year we published our Healthy Working People report which explored the economic cost of ill-health to businesses and the public purse and set out a number of opportunities for action both for employers and government. High levels of economic inactivity and increased absence from the workplace can be tackled through greater collaboration and investment in preventative action and interventions by both employers and governments.

Additionally, we pointed to our most recent research Housing Supply for a Growing Economy, and to the transformational nature of new homes in rural communities and the key role that housing will play in delivering Scotland’s economic ambitions. The housing challenge in rural areas include meeting the need for higher-priced homes that attract higher skilled occupations, business leaders and managers, affordable housing (particularly for workers in key industries and public services), and the need for short-term accommodation required for people working in infrastructure projects or in seasonal tourism and agricultural roles.

We also made reference to the work by our Rural Commission that set out recommendations on the economy and social potential of rural Scotland, and how this could be harnessed to the wider benefit of Scotland.’

As the parties move through their manifesto policy development processes, we will continue to offer comments on behalf of members and give our members that chance to speak with them.

To hear more about our policy work or get involved in influencing our thinking you can contact Sophie or the wider policy team.