Ministers seek to align human rights and economy policy

A new Centre of Expertise in Equality & Human Rights, to put human rights and equality at the heart of economic policy development, is being established by the Scottish Government.

Part of the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser within Scottish Government, the Centre will see the Government working with leading experts to build knowledge and skills among policy officials to address injustice and economic inequality.

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls recommended the establishment of centres of expertise on equality and human rights across the Scottish Government; and the June 2020 report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery concluded that tackling inequalities is key to our economic recovery.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes commented: "By focusing on wellbeing and fair work, we can deliver higher rates of employment and wage growth, to reduce poverty – particularly child poverty – and improve health and quality of life for disadvantaged families and communities.

"The Centre of Expertise in Equality & Human Rights will advance our understanding of how equality and human rights should influence the economic policy-making process. This includes work in areas to remove barriers to employment for disabled people, women, those with care experience and minority ethnic groups while also tackling poverty through fair pay and conditions."