Fair, skilled and innovative work for Scotland: CIPD 2026 manifesto

The last decade has been characterised by significant disruption across politics, society and the economy. From an unprecedented pandemic, through a prolonged cost-of-living crisis, to major geopolitical shifts, instability has increasingly shaped working lives across Scotland.

Looking ahead, the next decade is unlikely to bring greater certainty. Policy-makers in both Westminster and Holyrood will play a critical role in ensuring public policy is aligned with labour market needs. This manifesto sets out the CIPD’s priorities for Scotland, focusing on improving job quality, strengthening skills, and supporting innovation to build a resilient and productive economy.

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Key findings

This manifesto sets out the CIPD’s priorities for strengthening the Scottish labour market in the face of economic, social and technological change. It highlights the key challenges facing employers and workers and outlines practical recommendations to support fairer, more skilled and more innovative workplaces.

Major megatrends are reshaping work in Scotland, including demographic change, the rapid development of generative AI and automation, and the transition to a decarbonised economy.
Employers are operating in an increasingly challenging policy and economic environment, with rising business costs, the introduction of the Employment Rights Act 2025, and ongoing concerns about the Apprenticeship (Growth and Skills) Levy.
Many organisations continue to face workforce challenges, including skills and labour shortages, retention pressures, and persistent skills mismatches and overqualification.
Improving job quality and fair work practices can deliver better outcomes for workers and employers alike, supporting wellbeing, performance and productivity.