Enable Works at Business in Parliament Conference 2025

“The challenges are real. But so are the opportunities. Let's meet them with ambition, foster inclusion, and act with purpose to shape a better future,” writes Ashley Ryan, Director of Enable Works.

Last week our Director of Enable Works, Ashley Ryan, attended the Business in Parliament Conference 2025 which centred on the theme “Workforce for the Future.”

Read in Ashley’s own words her takeaways including what Gen Z’s expectations are of employers, the importance of supporting business, and our own examples of getting it right through the work of Enable Works.

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“It was fantastic to hear from speakers including Hina Khan (Dr) from Craft Prospect, First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP, and Colin Smyth MSP, Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee, on how we all play a part in building a thriving economy for Scotland’s future.

A key reflection from the day was that delivering a world-class working life for every person in Scotland relies on a strong economy. One that tackles child poverty, closes the disability employment gap, and addresses rising economic inactivity.

Scotland performs well on many fronts, with a higher proportion of university graduates and a low unemployment rate. But we face complex challenges. High levels of economic inactivity, a growing skills gap, an ageing workforce and a persistent disability employment gap risk holding us back. These are not separate issues. They are deeply connected. If we are serious about building an inclusive economy, we need to act now.

There was strong focus on Gen Z throughout the day. Employers need support to meet their changing expectations. But we must also better equip young people with the skills, experience and resilience they need to thrive. Owen McCarry, a graduate apprentice at Leidos, gave a powerful call to action on the importance of work-based learning and flexibility in preparing young people for the future.

Businesses need support too. Accessing a skilled, diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to growth. Inclusion strengthens businesses, communities and the workforce. It is how we build long-term success.

We cannot talk about building a future workforce without considering the growing number of people leaving the labour market. Around 300,000 people are exiting the UK workforce each year, due to ill health. While many employability programmes rightly focus on helping people into work, we must also invest in helping people to stay in work. The right support at the right time can make all the difference.

It is great to see The Scottish Government's funding commitment to deliver Specialist Employability Support, recognising the importance of providing tailored help for those who need it most.

For example, our All in Dundee IPS service shows what can happen when we get it right. By focusing on matching the right person to the right job and providing ongoing support, 92% of our clients with significant mental health support needs are still in work after 12 months.

The challenges are real. But so are the opportunities. Let's meet them with ambition, foster inclusion, and act with purpose to shape a better future.