Green MSP Patrick Harvie scores the Scottish government 6/10 for its efforts on fair work, saying it's a "pass" but there is room for improvement.

He welcomes the Labour amendment and confirms his support for it, though adds he regrets its "hyperbolic" language.

Mr Harvie urges the Scottish government to "push at the boundaries" of what is legally possible on employment practices.

In particular, he says business support from the government must be contingent upon firms meeting minimum standards for employment.

Image source, bbc

Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame chastises the minister, saying, "you cannae have a wee debate off camera".

Image source, Scottish Parliament

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie says she supports the government's aspiration to ensure fairness in the workplace, but wishes it practiced what it preached.

Ms Baillie says workers on former Carillion contracts were on bogus self-employment contracts and had to pay £100 to recieve their wages.

These were Scottish government contracts, she says,.

"It's your money and you can dissemble all you like," accuses the Labour MSP.

She calls for a procurement review and accuses the SNP government of breathtaking hypocrisy.

The Labour MSP attacks the Tories over the Trade Union Act 2016.

The UK government published a review into working practices in the modern economy last summer.

Image source, Getty Images

The review, led by Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the Royal Society of the Arts, has made seven key recommendations. They are:

• Good work for all
• Dependent contractors
• National Living Wage
• Cost of employment
• Good corporate governance
• Developing skills
• A healthy workplace

Read our at-a-glance guide to the Taylor review here.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says there is broad consensus across the chamber on support for fair work but disagreements lie on how to deliver that.

He says the UK government has introduced many improvements to workers' rights, including the national living wage, an increase in public sector pay and lifting some people out of tax altogether.

The UK government has also announced the good work place and its intention to carry out 52 of the 53 recommendations from the Taylor review, the Tory MSP states.

Turning to the Scottish government, Mr Lockhart urges it to address "some of the hard economic realities" if it truly wants to deliver fairness in the workplace.

In particular, he highlights stagnating growth and the lowest disposable incomes in the UK, which he argues must be tackled.

Image source, Fair Work Convention

The framework of the Fair Work Convention, external sets out what it means by fair work, why it is important, who can play a part in making Scotland a world leading nation in fair work and how this might be achieved. It also acknowledges that, given the broader economic context, there are challenges along the way.

"Our vision is that, by 2025, people in Scotland will have a world-leading working life where fair work drives success, wellbeing and prosperity for individuals, businesses, organisations and society."

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Mr Hepburn says there are now 450 signataries to the Scottish Business Pledge, external.

The minister announces a short review of the business pledge over the summer.

"Fair work is at the heart of the business pledge and that will not change."

Employment Minister Jamie Hepburn welcomes the opportunity to open a debate on workplace fairness.

He says the Scottish government has chosen to prioritise inclusive growth in its economic strategy and adds this must be underpinned by an inclusive labour market.

The minister points to the Fair Work Convention as evidence of the Scottish government's commitment to this, which including encouraging firms to pay the real living wage.

Fair work practices help businesses deliver real success, Mr Hepburn states.

A plan which promises to put fairness "at the heart" of a drive to develop a skilled workplace was launched by the Scottish government in August 2016.

The labour market strategy, external was outlined by Employability Minister Jamie Hepburn.

He said improving workplace equality was key to boosting the economy and pledged £820,000 to tackle the issue.

Mr Hepburn launched the labour market strategy during a visit to the Scottish Gas training academy in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Here is Employability and Training Minister Jamie Hepburn's motion, which he duly moves.

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The Scottish government will now lead a debate on 'building greater fairness in the workplace'.

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles says the cabinet secretary has added much confusion in his statement on the AWPR.

When is the AWPR opening, he asks.

Mr Brown says again he expects the AWPR to be open by late Autumn.

Green MSP John Finnie says the Highland mainline upgrade has "undoubtedly lost momentum".

We are rapidly moving to a system of four lanes of road and only one line of rail, he says, and seeks an update on the project.

Mr Brown says the Scottish government has been investing in rail across Scotland following decades of under-investment.

He will ask Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to contact the member with specifics on the Highland line.

Tory MSP Jamie Greene asks about communication between himself, ARL, Balfour Beatty and the project manager, given the cabinet secretary said he was "surprised" by the announcement.

Mr Brown says meetings have taken place and he said it caught people by surprise because ARL has recently said the completion date remain the same "quickly followed" by the indication of a delay.

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie says there has not been a mention of workers rights on the AWPR, citing bullying and gang master activity.

Ms Baillie says her leader used FMQs to bring up AWPR umbrella companies and bogus self-employment and asks what action the cabinet secretary is taking to ensure that Scottish tax payers money is not used to exploit Scottish workers.

Image source, bbc

Mr Brown says workers with the agencies chose to work through them.

The economy secretary says the Labour Party were instrumental in ensuring employment law remained reserved and with the Tories.

He says he would like control over employment law.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says the announcement of "yet another delay" will come as a disappointment to many in the north east.

He criticises the lack of clarity on the potential opening date and seeks a latest completion date the cabinet secretary can guarantee.

Mr Lockhart also asks whether opening refers to the route being fully operations.

Keith Brown argues spring 2018 was the first date given, not spring 2017 as Mr Lockhart claims.

He reiterates that while the contractor has predicted an opening date of summer, the Scottish government believes it will be late autumn instead.

Mr Brown says the roads opening will mean they are available for use, though snagging may have to take place.