Equality is good for the economy, Sturgeon claims

Speech: First Minister will give talk on how social policies have economic impact

The First Minister is to outline her ideas for Scotland’s economy and tackling inequality at an event in Glasgow today.

The “inclusive growth” conference will bring together speakers from international organisations, foreign governments, local authorities and academia to discuss Scotland’s progress in the two areas.

Nicola Sturgeon is expected to focus on a range of policies including the expansion of free childcare and the Scottish Business Pledge when she addresses delegates.

She is expected to say: “Scotland needs to use its vast potential to become a more productive economy.

“But we also need to become a fairer and more equal society. These two challenges are interconnected.

“What that means is key social policies – such as our expansion of childcare and our work to raise attainment in schools – have a significant economic impact.

“That is why we are focusing on fair work, encouraging employers to boost productivity by investing in their workplace and paying the living wage.”

The Government has been encouraging firms to sign up to its Scottish Business Pledge initiative since it was established in 2015.

To sign up, a company must commit to paying the living wage of £8.45 an hour and to at least two other criteria, ranging from not using zero-hour contracts to paying bills promptly.

Consultancy and engineering firm Dougal Baillie has become the 400th company to sign up.

Picture: PA. Nicola Sturgeon will say employers can boost productivity by investing in their workforce.