Image source, bbc

Mr Leonard highlights the PACE toolkit., external

The Labour MSP says the website has an example tweet: "Is your business downsizing? Check out the PACE partnership at Redundancy Scotland, external and see how they can help you."

He says we should not be in the business of helping firms downsize.

For balance Mr Leonard says he preferes the Facebook example post:

"Is your business facing redundancy? PACE advisers can provide free and impartial advice on the best ways of dealing with redundancy - from providing options to retain staff or managing debt. Visit Redundancy Scotland, external or call us on 0800 783 6000."

Mr Leonard says he is interested to hear how the government are supporting those who are older and made redundant.

The Labour MSP says 18% of people supported by PACE moved into part-time employment when they had previously been in full-time employment.

He says a third of people supported by PACE moved into employment with temporary contracts when they had previously been in permanent employment.

He says these figures are particularly true of older me using PACE.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Richard Leonard says too many people remain unemployed and uncounted.

Mr Leonard cites the example of over 500 job losses at Kwik Fit Insurance Services in North Lanarkshire.

The Labour MSP says 268 staff had found alternative jobs.

He says there was no information available about the types of jobs or rates of pay and work and conditions.

Here is the Labour amendment.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Image source, Getty Images

Nearly half of Scottish jobs could be carried out by machines in just over 10 years' time, a report has warned.

The Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland said 46% of jobs - about 1.2 million - were at "high risk" of automation in the period up to 2030.

The think tank's research says that, by then, adults are "more likely to be working longer, and will often have multiple jobs".

It said skills qualifications "should be reviewed".

Image source, Thinkstock

Mr Lockhart says the Scottish Conservatives are supportive of PACE,

The Tory MSP says the challenges faced have been highlighted in a recent report by the Institute of Public Policy Research Scotland which said 1.2m jobs are under threat from automation.

Labour MSP Elaine Smith intervenes to asks if Mr Lockhart agrees with a recent article claiming that workers are being turned into robots.

Mr Lockhart says he is not familiar with the article but that it is important that workers are treated fairly.

He says that it is important that the Scottish economy capitalises on emerging technologies and that the UK government is investing in this.

Mr Lockhart says PACE and the enterprise agencies need to get involved at an earlier stage.

The Tory MSP says 71% of clients secure work after assistance from PACE.

However roughly a third are only able to secure work at a lower level of responsibility or pay.

Mr Lockhart says the services and the reach of PACE must be promoted.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says he backs both the government motion and the Labour amendment.

Mr Lockhart says every year PACE supports thousands of individuals across Scotland every year.

The Tory MSP says PACE offers a range of tailored services and gives access to IT facilities. He says it supports people to create business plans if they are considering starting their own business.

SNP MSP Stuart Stevenson intervenes to ask if it might be a benefit of having the employer in the room during discussions to work through solutions.

Mr Lockhart says that Mr Stevenson makes a very good point.

Here is the Tory amendment.

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Mr Wheelhouse says taskforces bring together a range of partners to deliver outcomes in difficult circumstances.

The business minister says he has seen the excellent work that has been done locally by taskforces.

He says PACE is an excellent example of the government working with employers and other partners.

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Mr Wheelhouse asks if he should continue to help fill time as he has more material

Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame says: "Just let me check if we're all awake.....yes we're all awake you can keep talking".

Mr Wheelhouse says the economic output does remain positive.

The business minister says the worst risk to Scotland's economy is a hard Brexit.

He says:"Scotland is very much open for business and attracts inward investment."

The minister says the SNP will be supporting both Labour and the Conservative amendments.

Mr Wheelhouse says the strong working partnership between PACE and ICAS gives employers access to accountants for support.

The business minister says the Scottish economy has remained resilient during 2016.

He says Scotland continues to outperform the UK on youth unemployment.

Mr Wheelhouse says the headwinds affecting the Scottish economy can have impacts.

"The labour market in Scotland is strong and resilient," he says.

Image source, bbc

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart aks if the composition of PACE is reviewed.

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse says that is certainly the case and there is always the ability to bring in experts to the PACE partnership group.

Mr Wheelhouse says he will take on board any recommendations for membership that Mr Lockhart can suggest.

PACE was set up by the Scottish government, and also includes DWP (through Jobcentre Plus), local authorities, Citizens Advice, colleges and training providers.

Image source, WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mr Wheelhouse says it is important to emphasise the message to employers and employees.

Labour MSP Elaine Smith intervenes to ask if the programme will be updated to support people with dyslexia.

Mr Wheelhouse says it is a good point and he will put it forward for the next evaluation meeting.

The business minister says PACE is available for every individual affected by redundancy no matter the size of the company.

He says there are 18 local PACE teams across Scotland to support people locally as quickly as possible.

Image source, bbc

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse says the government is keen to extend the reach of PACE to support as many individuals as possible.

SNP MSP Stewart Stevenson intervenes to say PACE draws in all political representatives into the room, as well as the DWP which widens the net.

Mr Wheelhouse says there is a hugely positive contribution from across the chamber when there are sadly job losses to deal with.

He says almost three quarters of those who received PACE support are in employment.

Image source, Getty Images

Unemployment in Scotland fell by 16,000 between November and January to stand at 129,000, according to official data.

At the same time the UK's jobless total fell by 31,000, reaching 1.58 million - its lowest level since 1975.

The Scottish jobless rate is now 4.7%, which matches the figure for the whole of the UK.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) data also showed that employment north of the border increased by 16,000 to 2,608,000.

It now stands at 73.7% - below the UK average of 74.6%.

The claimant count fell by 1,300 in February to 75,000.

Business Minister Paul Wheelhouse says the government's initiative for responding to redundancy is a unique process and is successful.

Mr Wheelhouse praises the efforts of the PACE partners and says the government are looking at increasing marketing materials.

The business minister says every year businesses end up in difficulty and cease trading.

He says PACE has so far supported 15,167 individuals and 299 employers.

Image source, PA

Taken from the Scottish government website, external:

"PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) is the Scottish Government's national strategic partnership framework for responding to redundancy situations.

"Skills Development Scotland (SDS), external co-ordinates PACE at a national level and facilitates local level response teams providing tailored help and support for individuals at risk of, or experiencing, redundancy.

"The response to each redundancy situation is tailored to meet individual needs and local circumstances. But generally the services offered include -

• full Jobcentre Plus services
• one-to-one counselling and advice on career development and opportunities
• access to high quality training
• seminars on skills such as CV-writing and starting up a business (including franchising)
• access to IT facilities"