Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill

A Bill to amend the Scotland Act 1998 to grant legislative competence for employment matters to the Scottish Parliament.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

12 February 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would give the Scottish Parliament the power to make laws on employment by amending the Scotland Act 1998. In effect, it would transfer control over employment matters from the UK Parliament to Holyrood. The measure is in the early stages of passage, currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Amends the Scotland Act 1998 to confer devolved legislative competence over employment matters on the Scottish Parliament.
If enacted, Scotland could legislate on employment issues currently reserved to Westminster.
Originated in the House of Commons and has completed the 1st reading; currently at the 2nd reading in the Commons.
The Bill enables future Scottish employment legislation but does not itself set policy.
Would need to progress through further readings and approvals in both Houses before becoming law.

Progress

The Bill is at the 2nd reading in the Commons. After this stage, it would move on to further readings and committee scrutiny, and then to the Lords if it progresses.

Who is affected?

Workers and employees in ScotlandEmployers and businesses operating in ScotlandTrade unions and employer organisationsLegal professionals specialising in employment lawPublic sector workers in ScotlandScottish Government and Scottish Parliament officials and policymakers

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

11 Dec 2023

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Devolution (Employment) (Scotland) Bill

14 May 2024

The dissolution of Parliament took place on Thursday 30 May 2024. All business in the House of Commons and House of Lords has come to an end and this bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.