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On 17 March Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) announced their plan to close a number of back-office sites across the UK and collocate others. The Scottish Government was not consulted prior to the announcement, however, have subsequently contacted DWP to gain an understanding of the impact of this change. DWP outlined they do not intend to reduce staff headcount through this change process. Should the situation change, the Scottish Government stands ready to provide the support necessary including through Partnership Action for Continuing Employment, (PACE), which provides individual skills development and employability support.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-07984 on 29 April 2022.. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers

The Scottish Government is fully committed to promoting Fair Work practices throughout Scotland and will continue to press the UK Government for the full set of powers around employment law in order to allow us to fully deliver our Fair Work ambitions, including replacing the National Minimum Wage (NMW) with the real Living Wage as set out in the Fair Work Action Plan. The Scottish Government also supports the abolition of the apprentice rate and a move towards the real Living Wage for all apprentices.

The Scottish Government, as an employer, has an on-going commitment to supporting payment of the real Living Wage in our public sector pay policy in a manner consistent with the terms of the living wage foundation accreditation scheme.

The pay policy applies directly to staff within over 50 public bodies, however the Scottish Government would encourage all public sector workforces to take a similar approach.

Scottish Ministers are still considering the wealth of information provided through the recent National Care Service (NCS) public consultation.

In that consultation we sought views on a remit for the NCS to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Procurement Structure of Standards and Processes for ethical commissioning and procuring of social care services and supports. We will develop the approach to national and local level ethical commissioning and procurement with partners, stakeholders and those who deliver and receive care.

Local authority and other public service social care provision will remain important in delivering social care.

Scottish Government officials last met with COSLA on 4 March 2022 to discuss the introduction of a national recommended allowance for foster and kinship carers. They are next due to meet following the Easter holiday period.

Scottish Ministers are still considering the wealth of information provided through the recent National Care Service (NCS) public consultation.

In that consultation we sought views on a remit for the NCS to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Procurement Structure of Standards and Processes for ethical commissioning and procuring of social care services and supports. We will develop the approach to national and local level ethical commissioning and procurement with partners, stakeholders and those who deliver and receive care.

Scottish Ministers are still considering the wealth of information provided through the recent National Care Service (NCS) public consultation.

In that consultation we sought views on a remit for the NCS to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Procurement Structure of Standards and Processes for ethical commissioning and procuring of social care services and supports. We will develop the approach to national and local level ethical commissioning and procurement with partners, stakeholders and those who delivery care and receive care.

Local authority and other public service social care provision will remain important in delivering social care.

The Scottish Government has not contracted Strathesk Resolutions to offer mediation services between trade unions and employers in the public sector.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-36024 on 15 March 2021. All answers to written Parliamentary Questions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility for which can be found at https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/written-questions-and-answers .

The Scottish Government has committed to introducing a National Care Service before the end of the current Parliament. We have consulted on proposals for the National Care Service to develop and manage a National Commissioning and Procurement Structure of Standards and Processes for ethical commissioning and procuring of social care services and supports.

We propose that these standards will set principles to inform decision making, including in respect of financial transparency and commercial viability across the whole of the care home sector.