Fair Work First

Fair Work First is the Scottish Government’s flagship policy for driving high quality, fair work, and workforce diversity across the labour market in Scotland.

Glasgow Life has worked closely with its joint trade unions (GMB, Unison, Unite and Bectu) and agree that as an employer Glasgow Life meets the requirements of principles of Fair Work First with respect to directly employed staff:

• Commit to paying at least the real Living Wage (with exception from Scottish Government on apprentices due to ongoing Job Evaluation activity).
• Provide appropriate channels for effective employee engagement, such as trade union recognition.

Glasgow Life acknowledges the concerns of its Joint Trade Unions in relation to Fair Work First in procurement however recognise this is a separate matter and out with the scope of Fair Work First in Employment. 

All parties note that this statement reflects the beginning of the journey to implement Fair Work First principles and are committed to working together to effect wider change through all Fair Work First principles including:

• Investment in Workforce Development.
• No inappropriate use of zero hours contracts.
• Take 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.
• Oppose the use of fire and rehire practices.

Whilst a separate matter from Fair Work First in Employment, Glasgow Life acknowledges the significance of this matter for the trade unions in relation to Fair Work First in terms of procurement and commissioning. 

Glasgow Life’s Procurement Strategy highlights the importance of the Fair Work First principles in procurement and commissioning. It forms one of the strategic objectives within the Procurement Strategy and aims to ensure that Fair Work First is prioritised and promoted internally and externally, including to influence and promote the principles of Fair Work First through contract delivery.

This approach is reflective of the relevant legislative provisions and Scottish Government Guidance on Fair Work First.  Glasgow Life has embedded Fair Work First throughout the procurement and commissioning cycle from consideration as part of the individual procurement project strategy to inclusion in the tender documents and evaluation process.

Fair Work First will continued to be monitored through the lifespan of a contract by the Contract Manager(s).