Scotland's Economy

  • Welcoming International Women’s Day

    8th March 2019 by

    Today is International Women’s Day. It’s also the last day of Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Although very different in scale and theme, both events share an overarching theme: creating and celebrating opportunity. The opportunity I want to focus on during this important day, both as a woman but also as the Digital Economy Minister for Scotland,...

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  • Economy Secretary addresses Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

    5th March 2019 by

    Last week, Economy Secretary Derek Mackay addressed the 2019 Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. Read his full speech below.

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  • Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2019: Skills for the Future

    3rd March 2019 by

    From Monday 4th to Friday 8th, employers, apprentices, and training providers across Scotland will come together for Scottish Apprenticeship Week to celebrate and showcase the contribution that work-based learning offers to individuals, employers and the economy. Now in its ninth year, Scottish Apprenticeship Week is an annual campaign co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland which includes...

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  • This week: 01/03/19

    1st March 2019 by

    Fair Work Action Plan A range of measures to support employers to embed fairer working practices have been set out in a new Fair Work Action Plan. Business and Fair Work Minister Jamie Hepburn said the action plan includes a commitment to a new benchmarking tool to help employers assess their current practices and to...

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  • This week: 22/02/19

    22nd February 2019 by

    Economic Impact of ‘No Deal’ Brexit A ‘No Deal’ Brexit could have a dramatic impact on Scotland’s economy, with the potential for national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to fall by up to 7%, according to a new report by the Scottish Government’s Chief Economist. The paper, ‘No Deal’ Brexit – Economic Implications for Scotland, sets...

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  • Rates reform progress

    22nd February 2019 by

    Implementation of Barclay Review moves to next stage. Businesses have given their views to help shape a bill to implement changes to the rates system. The Non Domestic Rates (Scotland) Bill which supports growth, increases fairness and streamlines administration will be introduced to Parliament before Easter. An independent analysis report of consultation responses, along with...

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  • Unemployment in Scotland falls to lowest ever rate on record

    19th February 2019 by

    Commenting on this month’s labour market statistics update, released by the ONS for October to December 2018, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Despite the huge and continued challenges of Brexit, the Scottish economy and jobs market continues to strengthen. “Scotland’s employment rate rose to 75.5%, close to the highest on record. The unemployment rate fell...

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  • This week: 15/02/19

    15th February 2019 by

    State of the Economy Scotland’s Chief Economist, Gary Gillespie, published his State of the Economy Report in which he warns that intensifying Brexit uncertainty is causing concern and is already impacting key economic indicators in Scotland. Read more SNIB consultation analysis This week saw the first of many milestones for the Scottish National Investment Bank...

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  • Shaping the Scottish National Investment Bank

    11th February 2019 by

    Today we publish the analysis of responses to the public consultation on the Scottish National Investment Bank Bill which ran from September to October last year. This is the first of many milestones for the Bank in 2019 as we make significant progress towards the Bank being operational in 2020, investing in businesses and communities...

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  • This week: 08/02/19

    8th February 2019 by

    Ayrshire Growth Deal Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson visited Ayrshire to discuss the latest developments around the Ayrshire Growth Deal with local council leaders. Read more Spaceport Innovation Minister Ivan McKee welcomed the news that the firm behind Sutherland spaceport is to open a new base in Forres, creating up to 130 new jobs. Read more...

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