Scotland's Economy

  • Scotland’s growing green economy

    19th August 2022 by

    Scotland’s transition to a green economy is gathering pace as workers are getting the training they need to take on the green jobs of the future - giving employers the skilled workforce to take advantage of new opportunities.

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  • Employability Day: Making sure no one is left behind

    17th June 2022 by

    This week I was fortunate to visit a No One Left Behind information event, for people seeking employment and training opportunities, held by Working 4U in West Dunbartonshire. I spoke to staff and those who use this valuable service about their employability journeys. On Employability Day there is no better time to raise awareness of...

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  • Scotland’s economy outperforms recovery predictions

    26th August 2021 by

    I warmly welcome the Scottish Fiscal Commission’s latest official forecasts which suggest Scotland’s economy is recovering from COVID-19 much faster than anticipated. The predicted return of economic activity to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2022, almost two years of ahead of the SFC’s previous forecast, is a tribute to the innovation and adaptability...

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  • Investment in Moray

    24th August 2020 by

    The signing of the Heads of Terms agreement for the Moray Growth Deal is an important milestone.

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  • Labour market statistics show impact of pandemic

    16th June 2020 by

    Between February and April 2020, Scotland’s employment rate estimate fell over the quarter to 74.3% and the unemployment rate estimate rose over the quarter to 4.6%.

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  • Labour market statistics update – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

    19th May 2020 by

    Between January and March 2020, Scotland’s employment rate estimate fell over the quarter to 74.7% and the unemployment rate estimate rose over the quarter to 4.1%. While these rates compare well against historical records, they do not reflect fully the unprecedented impact of the pandemic and how it will change over time. The Job Retention...

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  • Scottish Apprenticeship Week

    2nd March 2020 by

    When I visited Arnold Clark’s training facility in Glasgow recently I couldn’t help but be impressed. Yes, the facilities are great and the investment in staff is clearly a priority. But what impressed me the most was the enthusiastic group of young female automotive apprentices I met, and the support they were getting both from...

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  • Digital skills success – first graduates from £1 million scheme

    21st January 2020 by

    People out of work and those on low incomes have been helped to develop their digital skills through a new fund. Digital Economy Minister Kate Forbes met with some of the first beneficiaries of the £1 million Digital Start Fund, who have graduated from CodeClan, to hear how the specialist training has helped them achieve...

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  • Selling Scotland on the global stage

    12th November 2019 by

    Scotland is to be one of 192 countries represented at a global event aimed at driving innovation and collaboration across the world. World Expo Dubai 2020 will showcase Scotland as a global trading nation and world-leading destination for business, education and tourism. The World Expo is one of the world’s longest-running and largest international events....

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  • Strong and inclusive labour market

    13th August 2019 by

    Commenting on the latest ONS labour market statistics update, which cover April 2019 to June 2019, Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “These latest results show that Scotland is seeing the benefits of our Labour Market Strategy – driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth through delivering fair and good quality work across our society. “Scotland’s employment...

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