WIREDGOV

Shared commitment to boosting productivity and fair work.

Microsoft became the latest company to sign up to the Scottish Business Pledge today as Fair Work Secretary Roseanna Cunningham met staff in Edinburgh.

The agreement was made ahead of an event hosted by the company at its base at Waverley Gate to look at how the sector can help address gender balance in technology industries.

The Cabinet Secretary said:

“Government and business have shared goals and shared values. Only working together will achieve inclusive growth and improve productivity, competitiveness, employment, and fair work of our leading industries. The Scottish Business Pledge recognises that by celebrating success and ambition and signalling a commitment to work towards a better future.

“I am delighted to confirm that Microsoft has today made its Pledge, to pay the living wage, employ young people and build stronger partnerships with education. It is an international company which is investing in Scotland and committed to working in collaboration with others. And of course it is a business built on technology innovation driven by a skilled and engaged workforce.

“I am particularly pleased that as part of its Pledge, Microsoft is committing to work with the Scottish Government and industry partners to develop better strategies to both attract women to technology and provide career structures which support retention and progression. It’s good for business and good for Scotland.”

Chris Forrest, Managing Director of Microsoft Scotland, said:

“Microsoft is committed to helping people do and achieve more; today we make this Business Pledge to help Scottish businesses and employees do just this. As a company we care deeply about helping Scotland succeed and this Business Pledge will help build great Scottish businesses capable of up-scaling, exporting and ultimately contributing to the success of the economy. However, we can’t do it alone and we encourage all our Scottish partners and customers to join us in making this Pledge.

“Our involvement in today’s Women in Technology event sees us cementing our commitment to attracting and retaining more women to STEM careers; our joint 2020 action plan with the Scottish Government will help us reach more women and young people in Scotland.”

Notes To Editors

More information about the Scottish Business Pledge is available here.

Pictures will be made available on the Scottish Government Flckr site.