STUC responds to Scottish Government Economic Strategy

March 3rd 2015

STUC responds to Scottish Government Economic Strategy

March 3rd 2015

Responding to the First Minister’s announcement of the Scottish Government’s new economic strategy, Grahame Smith, Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) General Secretary said:

"The STUC enthusiastically welcomes the strong commitment to tackling inequality which infuses the 'refreshed' Government Economic Strategy (GES).

"The GES is also improved and strengthened by the introduction of fair work as a key priority. Other positive aspects include the new approach to measuring outcomes and the desperately needed Business Development Bank. It is also heartening to observe the Scottish Government quietly dropping its longstanding commitment to deep, blanket corporation tax cuts in favour of a much more nuanced approach.

"However, it is disappointing that many of the factors contributing to rising inequality - such as the falling numbers of workers covered by collective agreements and the scale and power of the financial sector - are largely ignored. The strategy is also somewhat light on specific polices to hasten reindustrialisation.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government and its agencies in developing and implementing the specific actions required to create the more equal and successful economy the strategy aims to achieve.”

ENDS

For further information contact Stephen Boyd 0141 337 8100