Nicola Sturgeon announceds end of public sector pay freeze

Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled her legislative programme for the coming year with a pledge that ministers will 'refocus our efforts and refresh our agenda'.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The First Minister said the SNP had recorded a number of achievements since coming to power at Holyrood 10 years ago.

Going forward, she said the programme for government would “invest in our future and shape Scotland’s destiny”.

Ms Sturgeon made clear that improving education and closing the achievement gap between rich and poor remained her Government’s number one priority.

To help with that, she said the Scottish Government would guarantee a multi-year package of funding for councils, allowing them to invest in recruiting and training the staff needed for a planned expansion in childcare.

She also announced an Education Bill would be brought forward to “reform the way teachers are recruited and educated throughout their careers”.

Ms Sturgeon said: “We will introduce new routes into teaching to attract the highest-quality graduates into priority areas and subjects.”

Ms Sturgeon also announced a series of measures to boost the economy.

She revealed Scotland’s network of investment hubs will be expanded to include Paris - “maximising opportunities in France, our third biggest export market”.

The First Minister also pledged greater investment in manufacturing, with the location and partners for a new national manufacturing institute for Scotland to be confirmed later this year and work due to start on site in 2018.

Ms Sturgeon also announced a series of measures to boost the economy.

She revealed Scotland’s network of investment hubs will be expanded to include Paris - “maximising opportunities in France, our third biggest export market”.

The First Minister also pledged greater investment in manufacturing, with the location and partners for a new national manufacturing institute for Scotland to be confirmed later this year and work due to start on site in 2018.

The First Minister also confirmed the introduction of a deposit return scheme for bottles and cans.

Under such schemes, customers pay a surcharge when purchasing bottles or cans which will be refunded when they return them to a shop.

She also announced that moves would be made to tackle period poverty by providing free access to sanitary products for students in schools, colleges and university.

Further plans to tackle poverty include setting up a £50 million fund to tackle child poverty over the next four years and a financial health check for low-income families.

Ms Sturgeon made plain her government in Edinburgh would “oppose any attempt by the UK Government to repeal the Human Rights Act or European Convention on Human Rights”.

She said: “I intend to seek independent advice to help us ensure that all existing, and where appropriate, future rights guaranteed by EU law are protected in Scotland after Brexit.”

The First Minister confirmed that her Government would scap the 1% cap in pay rises for public sector workers.