6th September 2021
In advance of the publication of the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce has written to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon outlining the priorities for Scotland’s business community for the coming Parliamentary year.
Commenting, Dr Liz Cameron said:
“Scotland’s economy is finally starting to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s essential that Scotland’s businesses aren’t coming out of the frying pan and going straight into the fire.
“Scotland’s businesses are clear that the focus of the Scottish Government for the coming parliamentary year must be front and centre on supporting business recovery from the damaging impact of the pandemic.
“With increasing challenges around labour and skills shortages, supply chains and manufacturing component shortages, it’s important that the Scottish Government prioritise the needs of businesses to secure economic growth, and this should be reflected in the upcoming legislative programme.
“The Scottish Government must work increasingly closely with Scotland’s businesses to invest in revitalising our towns and cities, training and upskilling the workforce, prioritising digital infrastructure and urgently plan to re-open Scotland’s vital aviation sector to reinstate and expand Scotland’s connectivity with the world.
“It’s essential that the Scottish Government carefully consider the needs of businesses throughout the passage and implementation of its legislative programme during this session and use every lever at its disposal to secure an economic recovery that will create jobs and growth in every part of the country.”