SCVO’s
discussion paper on employability, social justice and contribution raises fundamental questions. It is a thought-provoking start to a substantial debate.
Homeless Action welcomes the broadening of the concept of employability beyond traditional paid employment and for the recognition of other forms of activity. But we have concerns about the way the term ‘contribution’ is used as a new measure.
The concept of ‘contribution’ is by its nature subjective and based on value judgements. We have a concern that the way ‘contribution’ is interpreted could entrench existing inequalities and attitudes in Scottish society.
For example the inclusion of categories such as graduate interns and undergraduate placements (rather than fairly and adequately paid interns) is potentially problematic. Unpaid placements are generally only options for those who can afford to support themselves. So these particular forms of contribution may increase inequality and decrease employability and opportunities for people from poorer backgrounds.
Good employers also have an important role to play in a contribution-based discussion and it is unfortunate that they are not mentioned.
Unpaid informal care work is a major contribution to society and should be recognised as such. In 2014 Engender estimated that there were 650,000 unpaid carers of disabled people, elderly people and people with long term conditions in Scotland of whom around 62% were women. Women also provide the majority of unpaid childcare. This should be supported and recognised
where it is an individual choice.
However there is a risk of embedding the highly gendered inequality around unpaid care work and placing pressure on women to stay at home for the sake of their relatives, children and the Scottish economy. It risks devaluing the experiences and choices of those without family support, including homeless people. Valuing contribution must not mean devaluing individual employment choices.
Nor must it devalue the work of paid carers. An investment in good quality well-trained paid care is an investment in society.
Homeless Action agrees that the current system puts too much emphasis on ‘getting as many people as possible into any jobs as quickly as possible.’ This can focus attention on those closest to the labour market who need least help. Too many people get left behind.
But any system which includes ‘contribution’ must recognise the context of the UK welfare system in which it will operate, and cannot be developed in isolation. It needs to be developed in such a way that it will work with that system. It is a question which is alive now as the Scottish Government begins to grapple with potential new powers in this area.
Judging contribution is subjective. Phrases like ‘common sense’ and ‘society’s needs’ are used. There are people who for a number of reasons cannot or will not contribute to society in a way that is publicly recognised. Contribution/non contribution must not be tainted in the same way as ‘deserving/undeserving’, or ‘strivers/skivers’. Contribution must not be an additional hurdle which affects those hardest who are most excluded or disadvantaged.
A focus on contribution must not lose sight of individuals who are furthest away from the labour market. For some people with chaotic lives, health issues, personality disorders or addictions often survival is a challenge on any given day.
So let the debate commence and let’s ensure we include everyone’s needs in the final outcome.
Robert Aldridge is CEO of Homeless Action Scotland
Last modified on 23 January 2020
