Press & Policy

Through SCC and our network of local Chambers, we have been deeply engaged in addressing the challenges and opportunities surrounding Scotland’s labour market. From skill gaps and workforce shortages to reskilling initiatives, it is clear that a strategic, coordinated approach is essential to ensuring Scotland’s economy remains competitive and future-ready.

The question remains: Where is Scotland’s Workforce Plan? Our colleges, universities, private training providers, and businesses must be aligned with the Scottish Government’s economic strategy. While key growth sectors have developed workforce plans, we understand from recent engagement with Scottish Government Ministers that a broader national plan is ready. To maximise its impact, we must fully embrace the co-design model and partnership principles agreed between the Scottish business community and the Scottish Government—an approach that has delivered success in other areas—to ensure that the plan is comprehensive, high-quality, and business-led.

Scotland has recently welcomed major investors, a testament to our strong business environment. However, these investors, like many of our existing employers, continue to highlight the challenge of securing talent with the specialist skills required. SCC has been working closely with business representative organisations that collectively speak for the majority of employers in Scotland, reinforcing the need for a workforce strategy that not only addresses current demands but also anticipates future industry needs.

A well-structured, forward-looking workforce plan is vital to ensuring that Scotland remains an attractive and competitive place to do business. SCC remains committed to working in partnership with government and industry leaders to shape a workforce strategy that drives sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all.

As part of our business representation, SCC will be informing and influencing the Tertiary Education and Training Bill, which is undergoing stage 1 of its passage through the Scottish Parliament. The legislation seeks to reform and streamline the funding model for the Scottish skills system. For example, one recommendation is to withdraw funding from Skills Development Scotland and re-allocate it towards the Scottish Funding Council – a recommendation we have asked the Scottish Government to re-think.

There is a call for views open to businesses, to which SCC will be offering its positioning specifically focusing on more meaningful business engagement which so far has been largely absent; a clear workforce plan for Scotland; maintaining agility in Scotland’s apprenticeships delivery and a business-led approach to skills strategy.

Without a proper plan in place, these reforms risk undermining Scotland’s competitiveness, and exacerbating an already imbalanced labour market. We welcome your views eg case studies to inform our response. Views can be shared with Mark Connolly.

Link to consultation: Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Parliament – Citizen Space​