Opened 3 Jul 2023 – Closes 11 Sep 2023
Overview
Certain social security powers, including industrial injuries benefits, were devolved from the UK Government to the Scottish Government through the Scotland Act 2016.
In the future, the Scottish Government will legislate for employment injury assistance. This would support people who have suffered an injury or a disease as a result of their employment. This assistance would replace Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit in Scotland.
Powers were not transferred in relation to industrial injuries advisory bodies. As a result, the Scottish Government cannot seek advice from the UK Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC). The functions of the IIAC are to:
- make recommendations to update the list of diseases, and the occupations that cause them, for which Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can be paid
- draft papers for the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to present in Parliament, where legislative changes to the Industrial Injuries Scheme are proposed
- scrutinise proposed regulations relating to industrial injuries benefit or its administration
The Bill
This Member’s Bill would establish a new independent body, the Scottish Employment Injuries Advisory Council, which would:
- scrutinise and report on the Scottish Government’s legislative proposals relating to employment injuries assistance (“EIA”)
- investigate and review emerging employment hazards which result in disease or injury
- commission research and make recommendations to the Scottish Government for ongoing development of EIA
- advise the Scottish Government on and recommend changes to EIA
Costs
The Financial Memorandum estimates it will cost £149,000 to set up the Advisory Council and £372,500 in annual running costs.
Future consultation on employment injury assistance
The Scottish Government has said it will be asking the public for their views on Employment Injury Assistance this year.
How to submit your views
Please submit your views using the online submission form.
Please submit your views using the online submission form, linked to below. The call for views is composed of ten pages. It is not necessary to answer every question.
Read the key questions
We welcome written views in English, Gaelic, Scots or any other language.
The call for views closes on 11 September 2023.
