Humza Yousaf has promised that the Scottish Government will make the minimum wage for social care and childcare workers 12-an-hour.

The current minimum wage for adult social care workers in 10.90, having been increased from 10.50 in April.

The minimum wage for those over the age of 23 across the UK is 10.42.

The First Minister said that the wage increases were to help the sectors with recruitment and to allow workers to "support their families".

He made the announcements during his first Programme for Government since succeeding Nicola Sturgeon in April.

He told MSPs about childcare: "We know one of the biggest challenges the sector faces is recruitment. So I can confirm today we will provide funding so staff in the Private, Voluntary and Independent sector, who deliver funded early learning and childcare, are paid a minimum of 12 an hour from April of next year.

"High quality early education and childcare is a perfect example of a policy that is both anti-poverty and pro-growth, I am proud that Scotland has the most generous childcare offer in the UK, and I am committed to ensuring we stay ahead and provide families with the crucial support they need."

He later added that the Scottish Government will increase the wage for those working in social care.

He said: "I am pleased to confirm that today I will fulfil a promise I made to social care staff before becoming First Minister.

"We will provide funding to enable an increase the pay of social care workers in direct care...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiUmh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmRhaWx5cmVjb3JkLmNv...