The Budget Bill 2017-18 was introduced to Parliament by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay; taking forward proposals for new investment in healthcare, education and local services, and supporting jobs through lower business rates.
An increase in financial support for nursing and midwifery students with dependants to help parents and carers into the workforce was announced by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The Minister for Employability and Training Jamie Hepburn responded to the UK Government announcement on Job Centre Plus closures.