Meeting of the Parliament 12 June 2025
Scotland’s economic history is deeply intertwined with migration and emigration. Famines, industrialisation, the growth of cities, lowland and highland clearances, public health advances, bursts of emigration, wars, baby booms and freedom of movement are all key chapters that have formed the basis of our changing population and economic landscape.
We have a rich history as an open trading nation, and our future prosperity relies on that. Our natural resources, outstanding higher education institutions and growing reputation for innovation and technology make us a draw for international investment. We are renowned for our open-arms approach to welcoming others from around the world. Evidence from the latest nation brands index shows that we are recognised as the open, outward-facing country that we strive to be. Our people are our heart, and we are nothing as a nation without them.
We are prioritising action that maximises our workforce and removes barriers to employment. The programme for government and the budget outline the £90 million investment that we are making to help more people into work through our no one left behind programme and how, by the summer, local authorities will offer enhanced specialist support for disabled jobseekers and the improvements that are being made to support workers and employers to access health services to help to keep our workforce healthy.
Through our investment in education, reform of the skills system and targeted action in key sectors, we are not only increasing employment but taking action to increase productivity and earnings, too.