Scottish business leaders have issued a scathing verdict on Labour’s early economic performance in government.
A new poll commissioned by the Herald and conducted alongside the Institute of Directors Scotland shows 85% of senior business figures in Scotland believe Labour has made a poor start on the economy.
The figures come as Labour’s employer National Insurance hike comes into force this weekend, drawing fresh criticism from firms already under pressure.
One business leader blasted Labour’s rhetoric, saying it was “all talk about black holes and blame” instead of delivering the optimism and direction people expected.
They went on to describe the new government’s approach as a squandered opportunity to lift the country out of stagnation.
The survey also shows a modest improvement in the perception of the SNP’s economic handling since John Swinney took over the reins.
Although still cautious about the political future, the business community appears more receptive to the direction of travel under Swinney’s leadership.
More than two-thirds of those polled said they did not expect to see another Scottish independence referendum within the next ten years.
One respondent tied this view to continued UK Government underperformance, warning that Westminster’s broken promises were fuelling renewed support for the SNP.
SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said the results revealed the scale of Labour’s failure to live up to expectations.
He accused Labour of breaking its pledge to boost economic growth and claimed the economy has flatlined since the party entered government.
MacDonald labelled the Chancellor’s National Insurance rise a “tax on jobs” that would damage businesses, squeeze wages and choke growth.
He said Labour’s approach underlined just how disconnected the party is from the real concerns of Scotland’s business community.
In contrast, he pointed to the SNP’s economic strategy as a sign of progress, saying it prioritises investment and long-term growth.
He insisted that only independence would allow Scotland to truly escape the economic mismanagement coming from Westminster.
As the economic temperature rises, Labour now faces a serious challenge in rebuilding trust with a business community that expected action, not excuses.
The mood among Scotland’s business leaders is clear — and it is far from forgiving.
