In Edinburgh, and the rest of Scotland, significant numbers of people are experiencing in-work poverty, and face a range of barriers to career progression. There is increasing policy attention in Scotland on ways to support progression, as part of the wider fair work agenda, but less agreement and limited evidence on what actually works.
This is the final report from L&W’s work funded by the Robertson Trust and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College. It sets out a proposed model for a new, evidence-led, in-work progression programme in Edinburgh, designed in close collaboration with low-income workers who live and work in the city, along with training providers, employers and sector experts. The report makes the case for a demonstration pilot and evaluation of the new programme Step Up in Care which, if successful, could represent an opportunity to improve outcomes for workers, strengthen the social care sector, and build a stronger evidence base for fair work in Edinburgh and beyond.