Scotland's Economy

Catalyst for regeneration, innovation and sustainable economic growth

August 1, 2014 by Angela Constance MSP No Comments | Category Economy

With the eyes of the world on Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, Scotland is rightly proud of its medallists and all the athletes involved in 11 spectacular days of sport.

And while we celebrate their successes there are thousands more winners across Scotland beyond the podium places. The Games is about more than medals, it’s a catalyst for regeneration, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Over 450 Scottish businesses from 23 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have won contracts to deliver these Games, contributing directly to the infrastructure and services supporting athletes from the 71 Commonwealth nations.

More than 1,000 people from 30 local authority areas have secured employment with small and medium sized firms through our Legacy 2014 Employer Recruitment Incentive. And over 700 young people are gaining vital skills and experience through our Scotland’s Best programme.

Central and local government across Scotland is supporting Games’ success. And there is more. Behind every successful amateur athlete there are dedicated families and coaches, often working voluntarily, to further their sport and support their communities. They too are winners at this Commonwealth Games.

And there are enlightened businesses for whom success means working in partnership with trade unions and with employees to provide opportunities to improve the well-being of their work force and their communities.

The trade union movement has been instrumental in developing sustainable workplace policies in Scotland and internationally, within the context of the Games and more widely.

Through flexible working arrangements to ensure that every employee can deliver their best, helping parents to nurture athletic talent for example and bringing experience of team success back into the workplace, designing the workplace to meet the needs of disabled colleagues or through recognition that an active and healthy workforce makes for a healthier business, Scotland’s businesses are building a lasting legacy of success.

We will shortly publish the findings of the Working Together Review, chaired by former Enterprise Minister Jim Mather. The review will identify opportunities for innovation in the workplace which will enhance productivity, workplace development and build more secure and resilient labour market.

The Games has shown what can be achieved through effective team working. We look forward to continued dialogue and co-operation with our social partners to foster a winning combination of well-rewarded and sustained employment, progressive workplace policies, productivity and innovation.

Tags: economy, sustainable growth

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