Scottish Labour MSPs voted in favour of an SNP demand for employment powers to be devolved to Holyrood. The Nats are blaming UK-wide regulation for the fact that productivity in Scotland is lower than in other small European nations.
Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy Secretary Neil Gray tabled the motion in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday afternoon, sparking a debate that was dominated by the "same tired old message on the constitution" as MSPs discussed how to revive the flagging economy.
In the end, Scottish Labour MSPs voted with the SNP, the Greens and Alba's Ash Regan to agree that "the position of the UK Government on trade union legislation, industrial relations and employment law works against the ambitions to make Scotland a fair work nation". The motion also states "the current approach of the UK Government contributes to lower productivity and higher inequality than is the case in countries comparable to Scotland, and calls, therefore, for the devolution of employment powers to the Scottish Parliament".
After Mr Gray's motion was passed by 88 votes to 33, Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism Murdo Fraser said: "This is just the latest example of Labour siding with the SNP, instead of standing up to them.
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