Embrace change

The Sustainable Growth Commission Summary Report points out that Scotland’s demography is changing as we gain a more elderly population and smaller working age one.

Its proposed solution is a large increase in immigration to make up for this shortfall. Unless we can find a type of immigrant that does not grow old, then this is circular logic – who will look after these new workers when they are pensioners?

The report fails to plan for technological unemployment; self-driving trucks and taxis, AI financial advisers, online banking replacing branches are examples. Ignoring this will only increase societal pressure in the future.

Automation makes it viable to maintain good living standards without exponential population growth.

Economic growth will occur whether it’s 100 robots or 100 people filling a role. Improving productivity without relying on a population boom is more environmentally sound and will help ease pressure upon housing – robots are less picky about neighbourhoods and schools.

The wave of progress cannot be stopped but a small nation like Scotland should be agile enough to ride along. Targeted high-skill immigration, support for Research and Development and appropriate policy can speed up this inevitable industrial revolution.

Just as important will be considered support for those who will lose their livelihoods and appropriate alterations in the structure of taxation,

TOM WALKER

Fountain Place, Loanhead