Sector's role as an employer
Sector's role as an employer
The voluntary sector is a significant employer, with over 136,000+ staff (5% of the Scottish workforce).
The voluntary sector is a significant employer, with over 136,000+ staff (5% of the Scottish workforce). By comparison, the sector employs more people than the Food & Drink production sector (Scottish Government Growth Sector Statistics).
By creating jobs, organisations in the sector contribute to the economy and GDP. Women make up 64.5% of the sector’s workforce. 37% of employees work part-time and 23% of employees have a disability, which is more than in the public and private sectors. Find out more in this Scottish Government study on Scotland's labour market.
Not only do these figures indicate that the voluntary sector is a major employer, they also demonstrate how the sector offers opportunities to individuals who may otherwise be faced with barriers to access employment, and increased likelihood to be living in poverty. Fair Work also matters (see below).
Fair Work
Fair Work for the voluntary sector workforce is an SCVO priority. We are calling for voluntary organisations to be supported and resourced to be Fair Work employers.
Grants and contracts Scottish Government, their agencies, and other public bodies award should support Fair Work and cover the full costs of employing staff, including at least the Real Living Wage, increased costs of National Insurance Contributions (NICs), inflation-based uplifts on par with those offered to public sector staff, and parity with public sector pay, addressing long-standing disparities between the public and voluntary sectors.
Latest briefings & policy papers
The latest procurement briefings and policy papers from the policy team. Read more
Latest consultation responses
The latest procurement consultation responses from the policy team. Read more
Contact us
If you have any questions on sector's role as an employer, want to discuss our calls in more detail, or believe you have evidence, resources, or experiences that could support our work, please contact Sheghley Ogilvie, Policy & Public Affairs Officer.
Thanks for your comment