Achi news desk-
These positive trends were reflected across the UK, with 11 out of 12 regions recording higher outputs in March alongside notable increases in new work. This has fostered an atmosphere of certainty across all regions, with confidence levels in March higher than long-term averages.
However, amid this optimism, there is a clear demand from businesses for a simpler interface between them and government bodies. The aim is to better understand the support available, which could further boost business operations and economic growth.
In addition, there is significant demand for investments in skills and further education to drive economic development and meet evolving market demands.
In terms of consumers, there has been a gradual increase in optimism. Although consumer confidence is still in the negative range at -6.1, there has been an improvement over the past year as inflation recedes and household finances stabilize.
However, the ongoing cost of living crisis continues to influence spending habits, with a significant proportion of Scots (67%) cutting back on non-essential purchases and reducing energy and leisure costs (62%), with just under half of Scots reduce their savings contributions (45%)
Scotland’s unemployment rate stands favorably at 4%, which is lower than the UK’s 4.2%, showing a reduction over the last quarter. Despite this positive indicator, the rate of economic inactivity remains a concern at 22.6%, slightly higher than the UK average, with long NHS waiting lists contributing to this issue.
This has fed into public frustration with service delivery, particularly in healthcare, which has become a prominent concern, with 49% of Scots citing healthcare and the NHS as their main concern, followed by costs living (41%), and issues related to them. to poverty and inequality (20%). This sentiment has translated into strong public demand for an increase in public spending, even if higher taxes are needed, a stance that is more common in Scotland (36%) than in the rest of the UK (30%).
Despite some positive economic indicators, trust in the Scottish Government, while still the highest in the UK, has seen a decline across various metrics since 2022. This decline reflects wider concerns about the direction of the country , with 58% of Scots believing the country is on the right track. in the wrong direction, a feeling that has worsened by 3% from the previous survey.
As Scotland navigates this complex economic and social landscape, the resilience of the business and consumer sectors offers a glimmer of hope. However, ongoing public concerns about service delivery and the cost of living underline the need for more effective government policies and a strategic focus on education and skills development to ensure a prosperous future.
John Walls is head of data analysis at s1jobs.
