First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Begbie will lead work on the implementation plan for the scheme.

Mr Begbie’s appointment arrives after the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, headed by Benny Higgins, ex-Tesco Bank boss, last week recommended 16 to 25-year-olds should be guaranteed two years of real living wage employment.

Mr Begbie agreed to lead the initiative at the First Minister’s coronavirus briefing on Friday. 

His appointment came after the Scottish Government released an action plan on how to limit unemployment caused by the impact of coronavirus. Amongst other measures, the report suggested company bosses should receive a cash incentive to recruit long-term unemployed youngsters for work experience.