MORE THAN 100,000 Scottish youngsters will go into 2013 out of work, writes Philippa Stephen.
That was the stark message from executive director of IoD Scotland David Watt, who warned one of the most important issues facing Scotland’s businesses in 2013 is the high level of continuing youth unemployment.
Speaking for the IoD, Mr Watt also raised concern a “lack of quality training and employability skills” for many young people leaving the UK’s education system leaves a great challenge for the business workforce of the future.
In Scotland, Mr Watt said businesses must focus on the wealth creation agenda and “rebuild what used to be the world’s most innovative and entrepreneurial nation”.
He added: “The year will see some of the deeper effects of public sector cuts begin to kick in and we need to build our business strength to pick up the personnel and the resources which will come out of this.
“It means growth, even in the most difficult economic situation we have ever faced which will be a real challenge,” he said.
However, according to Mr Watt there are some areas where Scotland is progressing and despite financial and global challenges the country is making significant steps forward with opportunities to grow now and in the future.
“Building on the enormous strength of the North Sea and the reputation that Aberdeen has developed as a world centre for energy, Scotland is a genuine world leader in many aspects of this industry,” he said.
“Even the latest gas production techniques in fracking have sizeable expertise based in this country.”
Pointing to a number of “fantastic developments” during the year Mr Watt said as Glasgow 2014 fast approaches Scotland’s reputation for international events can only grow further and growth targets should be set accordingly.
“In a fiercely competitive global economy, Scotland’s economic prosperity depends on our success as a wealth creating, outward-looking and enterprising nation.”