Image source, bbc

Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn says the government is committed to fair work and adds Scotland is performing best at paying the living wage in the UK.

Mr Hepburn accepts there is more to do and commits to a fair work action plan by the end of the year.

The minister points out employment law is reserved and commends those involved in the Fair Fringe Charter.

Image source, Dan Kitwood

The UK government promised an overhaul of employment rights to improve conditions for millions of workers, including those in the gig economy, back in February.

The planned changes include stricter enforcement of holiday and sick pay rights, and higher fines for firms that breach contracts or mistreat staff.

It is a response to last year's Taylor Review into working practices.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said the measures would "address very clearly" the rights of those in insecure work.

Read more.

The improvement and protection of temporary and seasonal workers' rights is raised by Labour MSP Kezia Dugdale.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse says there is increasing evidence about the value of the sector to the economy but the figures asked for are collected by neither the Scottish or UK government.

Mr Rowley expresses concern about renewable tech being imported and urges the Scottish government to bring forward a manufacturing strategy.

The minister points to efforts made by the government in supporting the supply chain for offshore wind, specifically highlighting BiFab.

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart says the number of Scottish businesses being awarded contracts by local councils has reduced in recent years.

Mr Wheelhouse says work is ongoing with developers to try maximise opportunities in the supply chain for Scottish businesses.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley asks how many contracts for the manufacture of renewable technologies have been awarded to Scottish-based companies in the last five years and what the total value is of these is.

Image source, Getty Images

MSPs now question ministers responsible for the economy, jobs and fair work portfolio.

Conservative MSP Gordon Lindhurst queries engagement on the Barclay implementation consultation on non-domestic rates reform.

Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes replies that the consultation will conclude on 17 September.

Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes confirms the government will set out its plans in the budget later this year and welcomes engagement from all political parties on the matter.

Mr Harvie suggests a tourism tax has been suggested as one option for local authorities and should not be prevented by government.

The door is open as part of the budget process, Ms Forbes replies, but she does not to preempt any discussions ahead of this.

Labour MSP Monica Lennon suggests a tourist tax could help alleviate pressure on services brought by visitors.

Ms Forbes again offers to work with other parties on "credible tax proposals".

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart warns against increasing complexity of local taxation.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie asks about plans to reform local taxation and local government finance.

Former Bank of England governor Lord King has blasted Brexit preparations as "incompetent".

The Brexit supporter said it "beggared belief" that the world's sixth-biggest economy should be talking of stockpiling food and medicines.

This left the government without a credible bargaining position, he said.

A spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) said that getting a good deal with the EU was "by far, the most likely outcome".

Lord King said that "a government that cannot take action to prevent some of these catastrophic outcomes illustrates a whole lack of preparation".

Image source, bbc

Brexit Secretary Mike Russell says there is no doubt remaining in the EU is the best option, but the second best would be remaining the single market and customs union.

Mr Russell says the incompetence of the UK government was commented on by Mervyn King today and we should all think about that incompetence and the fact that Brexit is now a Tory civil war.

Image source, Reuters

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab has set out what he called "practical and proportionate" advice in case the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

The guidance includes instructions for businesses who could face extra paperwork at borders and contingency plans to avoid medicine shortages.

Britons visiting the EU could also face extra credit card charges.

Ministers say a deal is the most likely outcome but that "short-term disruption" is possible without one.

Read more.

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald asks about the potential impact on Scotland of the UK Government’s recently published technical notices to prepare for leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

Brian Taylor
BBC Scotland Political Editor

Image source, Getty Image

It is a given in politics that our elected tribunes will cleave to descriptions of contemporary life which best accord with their own, predisposed outlook.

Still more is this true of unelected tribunes, of those who are seeking our support and endorsement.

If they cannot adapt their policies to prevailing circumstances - aren't manifestos, leaders and party zealots such a nuisance - then they will seek to shape and mould the environment, to convince us that their predetermined ideological position is a neat match with the facts as they depict them.

Such is, annually, the case when the Gers report is published. That is, the survey of Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland, on this occasion covering the fiscal year 2017/18.

Glance, for example, at the comment by Richard Leonard, he who would be first minister in Labour's colours.

• Scottish public finances show improvement
• Read the Gers report, external
• Read more here

Tory MSP Edward Mountain seeks an assessment of the recent GERS figures.

The cabinet secretary points to the "devastating impact" of austerity on Scottish families and services.

He claims the innovative approach to income tax has effectively reversed a budget reduction from the UK government.

Mr Mackay urges the chancellor to use the autumn budget to change course.

Labour MSP Neil Findlay wonders about the impact of ten more years of austerity on Scotland's public services.

Image source, bbc

Mr Mackay says overall revenue in Scotland reached £60bn in 2017-18, more than £3bn up on the previous year.

The finance secretary insists with all the lever controls Scotland could make different choices and do better to grow the economy.

Tory MSP Bill Bowman says although oil revenues up they were at their second lowest ever last year

Mr Mackay replies no economist predicted the downturn in oil and gas revenues.

SNP MSP Fulton MacGregor asks about onshore and offshore revenues in 2017-18.