Introduction to the STUC Economy Discussion Papers Series

The STUC shares the Scottish Executive’s commitment to sustainable economic growth. We are passionate about the economy, the jobs it provides and the proceeds it generates to allow our country to flourish.

However, Scotland’s trade unions are dismayed by much of what passes for debate on the Scottish economy. Shrill lobbying on marginal issues by a plethora of organisations jockeying for position post-devolution has produced a culture where debate is very narrowly focused. Orthodoxies emerge and become ingrained despite being founded on little or no evidence. Analysis is selective and distorted through highly politicised prisms to support policy positions that are fundamentally ideological in nature.

This sad spectacle is not what the STUC envisaged when campaigning for a Scottish Parliament. Rather we believed devolution would provide an environment in which politicians of every hue, government, employers, trade unions, enterprise agencies and civic Scotland were afforded a meaningful and regular opportunity to debate, discuss and, when necessary, constructively disagree about Scotland’s economic present and future.

Despite recent rhetoric about the merits of creating a national consensus on economic growth, no-one seems prepared to grasp the mettle and make it happen. The success of other small European nations is often used to promote the lowering of corporation taxes and deregulation yet we seldom hear about the social partnership underpinning the success of the Irish and Nordic models.

The STUC’s goal is simple: to build a society where the fruits of sustainable economic growth are broadly shared with those who create that growth each day of their working lives. To do this we must endeavour to create an economic architecture that reconnects a strong, flexible economy to the living standards of all, not just to residents of the penthouse. A prosperous society yes, but also a cohesive, happy and confident society.

These papers are a series published by the STUC on aspects of the Scottish economy. We hope the series serves to constructively challenge those promoting a low-road route for Scotland’s economy based on cost minimisation and antediluvian working practices. Business has benefited from years of macroeconomic stability, profitability is at a forty year high yet investment in people, plant and research is nowhere near the levels required if we are to meet the objectives set out in A Smart, Successful Scotland. It is about time that voices, such as Scotland’s trade unions, that challenge the cosy orthodoxies about why this is the case are heard.

Grahame Smith General Secretary