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Thursday, February 13, 2025

Scotland Leads The Way in Employment Growth as UK Struggles

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Scotland’s employment rate continues to soar ahead of the UK, with new figures showing unemployment falling to just 3.8% between September and November 2024, compared to a UK-wide rise to 4.4%.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also highlights that Scotland’s employment grew by 1% in the same period, in stark contrast to a 0.1% contraction across the UK as a whole.

The SNP Government has attributed this success to its targeted economic strategies, including initiatives like the Small Business Bonus Scheme, which has empowered small and medium-sized enterprises to create jobs throughout Scotland.

This employment growth coincides with a faster GDP growth rate and productivity increases that are double the UK average, further cementing Scotland’s reputation as an economic leader within the UK.

SNP MSP Michelle Thomson praised the figures, pointing to them as evidence of the impact of the SNP’s business-focused policies, which she says are directly contributing to the creation of well-paid jobs and a reduction in unemployment.

She contrasted this with the UK Labour Government’s policies, including the controversial rise in National Insurance, which she claims acts as a “tax on jobs” and risks stifling both employment and wage growth.

Scotland’s economic performance, bolstered by its natural resources, skilled workforce, innovative companies and world-class universities, showcases its potential for sustained prosperity, according to Thomson.

“With productivity growing at twice the rate of the UK and GDP outpacing it too, Scotland is demonstrating what can be achieved with the right priorities and a focus on supporting enterprise,” she said.

Thomson added that the SNP’s vision extends far beyond current achievements, highlighting independence as the key to unlocking Scotland’s full potential for economic growth, stronger public services and improved quality of life.

The SNP has consistently championed independence as the route to greater control over economic levers, enabling Scotland to shape its own policies to drive further growth and innovation.

While Scotland’s economic trajectory remains positive, these figures also reignite debate over the contrasting economic policies of the UK and Scottish governments.

With Scotland’s economy outpacing the UK in both employment and productivity, questions are increasingly being raised about whether more devolved powers or full independence could allow Scotland to capitalise further on its strengths.

The Small Business Bonus Scheme, a flagship SNP policy, has been lauded by business leaders for reducing costs for enterprises and fostering a fertile environment for job creation across Scotland.

As Scotland’s unemployment rate continues to fall and its workforce expands, the nation’s economic resilience stands in sharp relief against the challenges faced elsewhere in the UK.

The figures have also fuelled discussions about Scotland’s future economic ambitions, with many arguing that further economic powers could unlock even greater opportunities for growth and innovation.

The data presents a clear message: Scotland is leading the way, with policies that prioritise enterprise, jobs and productivity paying dividends for its people and communities.

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