Scotland's Economy

  • Scotland needs more financial powers to manage COVID-19

    9th June 2020 by

    by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest health and economic challenge of our lifetimes. It has required an unprecedented response from government to ensure our NHS has the capacity and equipment needed to respond to the health crisis and to help businesses manage the economic impact. Looking ahead, our economic focus...

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  • COVID-19: Safe working guidance and restart plan for forestry industry

    30th May 2020 by

    Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing Easing out of lockdown will only be successful if we do so gradually and cautiously. The focus of the Scottish Government remains on tackling the virus, protecting public health and saving lives, but we are also acutely aware of the need to support vital sectors of the economy, such as...

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  • COVID-19: Updated guidance for construction sector

    28th May 2020 by

    By Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Kevin Stewart With the gradual easing of lockdown it is vitally important that we publish updated guidance for the construction sector to help it restart safely and recover from the damaging impact of COVID-19. The focus of the Scottish Government remains on tackling the virus, protecting public...

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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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  • Foundation Apprenticeships receive further recognition – Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn

    13th January 2020 by

    To meet the future skills needs of Scotland’s economy it is vital industry and educational institutions work together. Foundation Apprenticeships are an important part of building strong links between the two and, crucially, equipping young people with the skills they need to progress onto a successful career or further education. I am delighted that the...

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  • Tackling unfair delivery charges – Business Minister Jamie Hepburn

    24th December 2019 by

    With the festive season in full swing, buying presents is at the forefront of our minds. And as more of us choose to buy our gifts online, I am concerned that there is still a difference in how parcels are delivered in rural and island areas of Scotland compared to the rest of the United...

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  • Comment on creation of a train manufacturing plant in Longannet

    19th December 2019 by

    Commenting on the decision to approve planning for the creation of a train manufacturing plant in Longannet, Transport and Infrastructure Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This positive planning decision is a significant milestone for Scotland’s partnership with Talgo. It both moves us closer to the creation of 1,000 high quality, highly skilled jobs and demonstrates what...

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  • Paul Wheelhouse on Scotland’s energy sector

    11th December 2019 by

    This year was a significant one for Scotland’s energy sector, most notably with the Scottish Government declaring a climate emergency, and outlining our commitment to become a net-zero emissions economy and society by 2045. Our Programme for Government (PfG) outlined the key role renewable energy sources will play in reducing emissions and decarbonising Scotland’s transport...

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