Economic Commentary [April 2019]

Against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty, Scotland’s economy has continued to grow, albeit below trend. This, combined with near all-time high employment, is to be welcomed and provides some positives in these extra-ordinarily testing times. However, Scotland continues to face a productivity challenge with the consequent impact on real earnings growth. As the Commentary evidences, the economic growth we have seen has been matched by an increase in hours worked rather than an increase in productivity. If we want to see a rise in real earnings and living standards, we need to see productivity grow.