Speaking after the Scottish Government published its New Economic Strategy, Grahame Smith, General Secretary said:
“The STUC welcomes the Government’s new Economic Strategy. It is helpful to have a single strategy setting direction for the Scottish Government, local government, the enterprise networks and other agencies.
“The targets for increasing economic growth are ambitious if highly risky for a small, open economy like Scotland and the Government is correct not to proceed with establishing a target for competitiveness. The introduction of ‘golden rules’ on solidarity, cohesion and sustainability is a particularly positive development and, if strictly adhered to, should help ensure that all Scotland’s people share in the benefits of economic growth.
“However, the strategy lacks detail in some key areas. It is less than clear how the Government intends to produce the step change in performance necessary in areas such as skills utilisation, investment and innovation. Similarly, whilst the strategy recognises that high levels of economic inactivity are seriously detrimental to the economy, it contains no new measures to remedy this longstanding problem.
“The commitment to reduce small business taxation is long anticipated but it is nonetheless disappointing that there is no reference to how Government intends to monitor and evaluate the impact of the proposed cuts”.
ENDS
For further information contact Stephen Boyd 0141 337 8100