Greene urges interventions to help the 1 in 5 economically inactive Scots

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Jamie Greene has today called on the Scottish Government to do more to help the one in five Scots who currently find themselves not in education, employment or training.

A parliamentary question by Mr Greene has revealed that excluding students, 621,300 Scots aged 16 to 64 are economically inactive. This compares to 89,500 who are unemployed. This means that in total more than one in five Scots is not working. The rate is higher for women at 22.9%, compared to men at 18%.

Figures released from a parliamentary question from Mr Greene to the Scottish Government has revealed that there are an estimated 269,000 people in Scotland aged 16-64 who gave their reason for being inactive as long-term sick or disabled.

Jamie Greene MSP said:

“There will always be some for whom paid work is not suitable, but for many, with the right care, the right mental health support or the right career advice, they could find a role that fits them and their needs.

“We should be investing in the NHS to bring down these long waits for ADHD and Autism diagnoses. Not only is that the compassionate approach, but it would also be the sensible one economically, allowing people to get back to work.

“Similarly, there has been a massive failure to invest in colleges and the wider skills agenda. Our plans for building new houses and insulating Scottish homes would be a major boost for the trades but at the moment it needs a big investment in training to help it to succeed.

"The Scottish Government needs to do more to help those who are not in education, employment or training back into work. It would be a major shot in the arm for Scottish businesses and the Scottish economy.”