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Work is a major part of life for most people living in Scotland. Young people under the school leaving age of 16 are not usually included in labour market analyses, though they may have some paid work, such as the traditional 'paper round', or in shops. There are concerns that paid work amongst school children and students is increasing, with possible adverse effects on their educational attainment.
Most people enter the world of work after they finish their education. The Government provides support schemes, such as the New Deals, to help people who want to work but are unable to find a job. These packages typically include financial support, (through the benefit or tax systems), training and other help (for example for those with caring responsibilities).
Various groups, such as women, people from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities, still suffer disadvantage in the labour market.
The Scottish Executive's Social Justice strategy includes several targets to narrow the gaps between these groups and the 'mainstream' labour market.
Many people no longer work 9 to 5, 5 days a week: alternatives such as flexible working hours and term-time working allow them to balance work and home commitments. Some job-share. New communications technologies offer the prospect of working from home, rather than going to the office. However, the UK's long hours culture can be a major cause of stress for workers, and high-profile cases of harassment and bullying in the workplace regularly feature in the media.
This chapter provides a short overview of the labour market from a social perspective: Scottish Economic Statistics provides further information.
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