The development of new technology has had mixed effects on employment
1. New technology has created jobs
Many foreign companies have set up assembly plants in Scotland
Cannon in Glenrothes
IBM in Greenock
HP in Bishopton
As many businesses rely on new technology a whole range of businesses has grown up in servicing and maintaining computer and electronic equipment
Scotland has become a focus for call centre employment. BSkyB have a huge call centre in Dunfermline dealing with UK-wide enquiries and creating 300 jobs
Advantage of technology are
lower costs because fewer workers are employed - this can lead to lower prices and more sales
Product quality is improved, more goods are sold
New products are developed and made leading to new jobs
2. New technology has lead to job losses
People have been replaced by machinery in production of the assembly line type. Many traditional Scottish industries eg car industry have disappeared. Where it does exist robots have replaced workers
People have been replaced by machinery in many offices: word processors and databases have lead to the need for fewer typists. Less people are employed in the newspaper industry - journalists use Desktop Publishing software, while skilled craftsmen such as platemakers and printers lost their jobs
Fewer people are required by banks as direct banking and cash machines are promoted.
11. Meeting the Financial Needs of the Unemployed
The government helps the unemployed in a variety of ways
Jobseekers allowance - introduced by national government in 1997 to replace Unemployment benefit
There are three types
Contributory JSA - you can claim, this if you have paid national insurance while working
Non-contributory JSA - you can claim this if you are unemployed but do not have enough National Insurance contributions
Income-based JSA - those who are unemployed after 6 months of receiving one of the above are moved to this scheme which offers less money
If an unemployed person is in a council house he/she can apply for housing benefit. In privately owned homes an unemployed person can apply to get the interest paid on their account (but not the capital). The unemployed can also apply for council tax benefit
Those on a low income may be entitled to Working Families Tax Credit. This may encourage the unemployed to get back to work
For the unemployed and those on a low income:
Social Fund (means tested)
to help people pay for unexpected expenses
buy baby clothes for new-born child
funeral expenses
pay for heating - cold weather payment if child is under 5
buy a cooker/bed/furniture/pay for medical expenses
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