Scotland's Economy

  • This week: 25/01

    25th January 2019 by

    Labour Market Statistics Labour Market Statistics, published by ONS, show that: 2,641,000 people are now in work in Scotland Unemployment in Scotland fell to 3.6%, the lowest rate on record Scotland’s female employment rate is 71.5%, higher than the UK rate of 71.2% Scotland’s youth employment rate is 60.7%, higher than the UK rate of...

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  • Statement on Arjowiggins/Stoneywood Mill

    23rd January 2019 by

    Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “We held a positive meeting this morning with Arjowiggins management, the administrators, union and other local stakeholders. Everyone wants what is best for the workforce and company so our focus is on supporting the business and the administrators in doing all we can to safeguard jobs at the mill. “In...

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  • Scotland and Poland: European partners

    23rd January 2019 by

    Despite the uncertainty over Brexit, Scotland remains open for business and the EU remains our single largest market for international exports. During a recent trade show in Germany, an emerging consortia of Polish Energy majors and trade bodies expressed an interest in learning more about Scottish experience and expertise in planning, developing, and managing major...

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  • Unemployment below 100,000 for the first time on record

    22nd January 2019 by

    This month’s labour market statistics, released by the ONS for September to November 2018, show unemployment fell below 100,000 in Scotland for the first time on record. Business Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Despite the huge and continued challenges of Brexit, the Scottish economy remains resilient and our jobs market is strengthening.    “Scotland’s unemployment rate reached...

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  • This week: 18/01

    18th January 2019 by

    Finance Secretary Derek Mackay announced that West Lothian is to get 3,450 new homes as part of the Winchburgh development – one of the UK’s biggest housing-linked infrastructure projects. Read more Trade, Investment and Innovation Minister Ivan McKee met with inspiring participants of the CBI Leadership Programme at Bute House, discussing Scottish Government priorities and...

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  • A Fairer Economy: Enabling Scotland’s skills for the future

    18th January 2019 by

    Delivering a fairer, prosperous economy is a priority for the Scottish Government. And I know that it is a priority for businesses too. To achieve this, we want a fairer labour market and to continue to enhance the skills of our workforce. This year will see us bringing forward a range of measures designed to...

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  • This week: 11/01/19

    11th January 2019 by

    Tay Cities Investment The First Minister announced an additional £50 million investment in the Tay cities area to support manufacturing, businesses and the delivery of the Cross Tay Link Road. Read more FiSAB Meeting Economy Secretary Derek Mackay and Public Finance Minister Kate Forbes attended the first FiSAB meeting of the year to discuss skills,...

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  • This Week: 04/01/2019

    4th January 2019 by

    Infrastructure priorities for 2019 Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson has set out his priorities for 2019 in an article on our blog. Read more Return to work travel advice People are being urged to plan their return to work travel, with the trunk roads and other transport networks in Scotland expected to be busy over the...

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  • Growing our strong investment in infrastructure during 2019 – Michael Matheson

    31st December 2018 by

    Infrastructure investment is one of the four pillars of the Scottish Government’s economic strategy which is why in 2019-20 our capital programme will invest more than £5 billion across Scotland. We know the value of investing in infrastructure goes beyond the physical homes, schools, hospitals we see as the projects begin to open. It unlocks...

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  • This Week: 28/12/2018

    28th December 2018 by

    Priorities for 2019 Finance and Economy Secretary Derek Mackay has set out his priorities for 2019 in an article in The Herald. Read more Improving ferry access Further accessibility improvements will be made on Scotland’s ferries following the fourth round of awards from the Ferries Accessibility Fund. Almost £80,000 is being awarded to Serco NorthLink...

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