Fair Work First – what does it mean?  

Fair Work First is the Scottish Government's flagship policy for driving high quality and fair work, and workforce diversity across the labour market in Scotland by applying fair work criteria to grants, other funding and public contracts being awarded by and across the public sector, where it is relevant to do so.

Through this approach employers should adopt fair working practices, specifically the following criteria:

  • payment of at least the real Living Wage;
  • provide appropriate channels for effective workers' voice, such as trade union recognition;
  • investment in workforce development;
  • no inappropriate use of zero hours contracts;
  • action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace;
  • offer flexible and family friendly working practices for all workers from day one of employment; and,
  • oppose the use of fire and rehire practice.

Fair Work First Dimensions

The Fair Work First Criteria have been designed to help you apply five Fair Work dimensions (below).  They also help you to track progress.  These dimensions will manifest in different ways in different workplaces, aiming to balance the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.

They should be visible in the attitudes, behaviours, culture, policies and practices within an organisation – demonstrating the value placed on fair work and equal opportunity in work. You can make positive changes to organisational culture by embedding each Fair Work dimension into your workplace, which benefits both employers and employees.

Each dimension is equally important: 

Security and dependability of employment, work and income are essential to employee wellbeing. They contribute to greater individual and family stability and promote more effective financial planning.

Ensuring everyone is treated with dignity, regardless of their role or status in an organisation. The existence of respect creates workplaces that enhance employee health, safety and wellbeing as well as creating working environments that are free from bullying and harassment.

This is about helping to create opportunities for everyone, so we can create a more equitable, inclusive and cohesive society.  Opportunities can be created in many forms, from internal learning and development to the creation of traineeships and work experience placements.  

By proactively addressing the challenges experienced by specific groups and individuals in accessing and progressing in work, and putting policies and practices in place to better support equal opportunities, we can help to create a more equitable society.

This refers to the ability of workers to speak both individually and collectively, and their right to be heard by their employer for the purpose of open, constructive dialogue. Effective Voice underpins all the other dimensions of Fair Work.

Fulfilment is a key element in organisational and individual wellbeing. Employees who are fulfilled, motivated, and engaged in their jobs are more likely to experience good physical and mental health and wellbeing, which consequently increases their productivity at work.

Are you ready to benefit from Fair Work?

We are here to support you on your Fair Work journey and can help you and your organisation every step of the way.

The Fair Work dimensions is music to your employees ears, it's also good for communities, businesses, other organisations and the economy.