Episode Notes

In this episode, Hannah Randolph is joined by Chirsty McFadyen who leads on our learning disabilities employment research. Hannah and Chirsty discuss the Equality Act and its implementation issues, as well as some of our latest findings from speaking to employers.

We are also joined by Liam Brown, Entrepreneurial Executive at Young Enterprise Scotland, who discussed his neurodivergent condition and how language has impacted his experiences of employment.

Learning disabilities research by the Fraser of Allander Institute can be found at the following link: https://fraserofallander.org/research/adults-with-learning-disabilities-in-scotland/

Our report prepared for the Scottish Parliament on the disability employment gap can be found at: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/ResearchBriefings/Report/2024/1/12/434f4dc4-caa1-4971-b5f3-7699e70ec1ff

Participants

Chirsty McFadyen, Economics Associate, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Liam Brown, Entrepreneurial Executive, Young Enterprise Scotland

Timestamps

(0:00) Introduction

(00:14) What is the equality act and how does it define disability?

(02:04) What was the reason for having the legislation?

(03:46) What have been some of the issues with it?

Interview with Liam Brown (06:45)

(14:26) Learning disabilities and employers research findings

(24:14) What advice works for employers hiring people with learning disabilities?

Institute Deputy Director Emma Congreve is joined by fellow Deputy Director Joao Sousa and Director Professor Mairi Spowage to discuss all the fiscal announcements over the last month and what they mean for Scotland.

Director Mairi Spowage and Deputy Director João Sousa join FAI economist Hannah Randolph to discuss GERS statistics for 2023-24, including the net fiscal balance, details of changes in revenues and spending, how Scotland compares to other UK nations and regions, and what it all means for the independence debate.

GERS 2023-24 can be found on the Scottish Government website at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/government-expenditure-revenue-scotland-gers-2023-24/

Participants

Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde

Time stamps

(0:20) What is GERS and what do the statistics show this year?

(3:40) Why are there versions with and without North Sea revenues?

(8:55) How do these figures compare to previous years?

(10:45) How do these figures compare across UK regions and nations?

(15:20) More on revenue and spending - income tax, pension, social protection, and locally administered taxes

(23:55) What implications does GERS have for the independence debate?