{"id":2806,"date":"2018-09-21T15:00:54","date_gmt":"2018-09-21T14:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/scotlands-economy\/?p=2806"},"modified":"2018-09-21T15:00:54","modified_gmt":"2018-09-21T14:00:54","slug":"this-week-21-09-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.gov.scot\/scotlands-economy\/2018\/09\/21\/this-week-21-09-18\/","title":{"rendered":"This week – 21\/09\/18"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Scottish growth pulls ahead of the UK<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Scottish economy grew by 0.5% during the second quarter of 2018, according to statistics announced this week\u00a0by Scotland\u2019s Chief Statistician.<\/p>\n

In the first half of this year, Scottish GDP grew by 0.8% compared to 0.6% in the UK. This growth in the first six months of 2018 is greater than the 0.7% growth forecast made by Scottish Fiscal Commission for 2018 as a whole.<\/p>\n

Finance and Economy Secretary Derek Mackay welcomed the figures saying they show “Scottish growth is both pulling ahead of the UK and outperforming the official growth forecast.” He said:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u201cThe Scottish Government is focused on building on the country\u2019s strong economic foundations, supporting businesses to stimulate growth jobs and investment. Our Programme for Government includes an ambitious package of measures to ensure we are delivering for the economy of today and ready to seize the opportunities of the future.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith an unemployment rate of 4.1% and a higher employment rate for women and young people compared to the UK, confidence remains high in our labour market. The Royal Bank of Scotland PMI for August also shows private sector output at a four year high.”<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Financial Services Advisory Board<\/strong><\/p>\n

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Finance and Economy Secretary Derek Mackay and Minister\u00a0for Public Finances Kate Forbes\u00a0hosted the Financial Services Advisory Board this week.<\/p>\n

The board met to discuss upcoming priorities, challenges and opportunities for financial services in Scotland.<\/p>\n

Infrastructure investment map <\/strong><\/p>\n

A\u00a0new electronic map<\/a> showing some examples of the investment in infrastructure projects since 2007 has been launched by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>It comes after the Programme for Government set out the most ambitious long-term level of infrastructure spend ever in Scotland, with a commitment to invest an additional \u00a37 billion – over and above existing plans – on schools, hospitals, transport, digital connectivity and clean energy by 2026.<\/p>\n

To highlight the Scottish Government’s infrastructure commitments, Michael Matheson visited Forth Valley College’s new Falkirk campus. The college has received \u00a365 million Scottish Government investment to help with construction and is one of a number of projects listed on the Infrastructure Projects 2007-2018 map.<\/p>\n

Michael Matheson said:<\/p>\n

“Our infrastructure will continue to see substantial investment, and it is our mission to steadily increase annual infrastructure investment so it is \u00a31.5 billion per year higher at the end of the next Parliament than in 2019-20.<\/p>\n

“Good infrastructure is essential to our economy and wellbeing and for the delivery of efficient, high-performing public services. We want to do more to recognise the value of our infrastructure investment and the new map shows examples of the support the Scottish Government has provided the length and breadth of the country.<\/p>\n

“We will continue to make the investment in our infrastructure that is required to support economic growth, boost international competitiveness and prepare for the uncertainty of Brexit.”\u009d<\/p>\n

GCU migrant skills hub<\/strong><\/p>\n

Migrants in Scotland\u00a0are to get help matching their skills to secure work, with the launch of a new project led by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU). The pilot, which is backed by \u00a3158,207\u00a0Scottish Government funding, aims to set up Scotland’s first migrant and refugee skills recognition and accreditation hub.<\/p>\n