Government must act now to ensure economic recovery, Sturgeon is told

A LACK of urgency is hampering Scotland’s economic recovery, the First Minister has been warned.

Nicola Sturgeon will today outline her legislative programme for the year ahead – with a focus on building a ‘stronger, fairer and more sustainable’ economy.

There is so far little detail over what will be in the Programme for Government – but it is understood there will be a focus on jobs and the economy.

Scottish Conservative economy spokesman Maurice Golden said: ‘The SNP Government just doesn’t seem to get it – we are facing a jobs crisis now. With this lack of urgency and focus the SNP Government looks completely unprepared to save the thousands of jobs currently at risk.’

More than 900,000 people have received support through the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme and help for the selfemployed in Scotland.

However, both schemes are set to end next month and there are fears unemployment could rise to as high as 9 per cent across the UK.

KPMG will today warn that it could be early 2023 before the country’s economy fully recovers, assuming a vaccine released next year.

Dr Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘We now urgently need governments in Holyrood and Westminster to take immediate action that will reduce the rising costs burden on businesses alongside real, tangible proposals that will ensure businesses remain viable and sustainable.’

Miss Sturgeon said that when coronavirus hit, her government had ‘acted decisively to is save lives, protect jobs and insulate communities from the worst ravages of this illness’. She added: ‘Looking ahead, I am determined that we take the necessary steps to rebuild an economy that is stronger, fairer and more sustainable.

‘We have already announced a £100million investment in employment and skills as part of our wider economic recovery package and this Programme for Government will set out our next steps on this journey.’

Graham Grant – Page 16