Equality ‘will boost economy’

Workplace equality will help to boost the economy, the Scottish Government has said as a new labour market strategy was launched.

The plan will put “fairness at the heart of its drive to develop a skilled workforce capable ofmeeting future economic demands”, and £820,000 has been pledged to improve equality.

Earlier this week, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said growing the onshore economy is her priority as the Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) statistics revealed oil revenues slumped from £1.8billion to £60million, contributing to a growing deficit.

Employability minister Jamie Hepburn launched the labour market strategy duringavisit to the Scottish Gas training academy in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on Friday.

He said: “The labour market is the beating heart of our economy.”