CBI Scotland responds to publication of Advisory Group on Economic Recovery report

Tracy Black, CBI Scotland Director, said:

“The Advisory Group on Economic Recovery correctly identifies a jobs-first recovery and building resilience as the top two immediate priorities for the Scottish economy, something we raised in a recent letter to the First Minister.

“Urgent interventions are required to create jobs, especially for young people affected by significant disruption to the labour market, and to catalyse investment – either from home or abroad.

“The best thing we can do to protect jobs, or support people getting back into work quickly, is invest in training and development. Speed is of the essence – we know the danger of long-term unemployment and the scarring impact it has on individuals and communities.

“We also share the ambition to fast-forward green investment and build a more sustainable economy. Greater support for renewables, accelerating the R100 roll-out to supercharge digital infrastructure, and fast-tracking planning and funding to support the deployment of electric vehicles are all essential ways to reduce carbon emissions and make this a green recovery.

“Businesses will need to see further detail on proposals like a Scottish Jobs Guarantee to ensure they are practical, transparent and make best use of private sector expertise.”