Focus on our most productive industries

As part of a gradual release of the lockdown, some form of priority in respect of a return to work should be given to those sectors or businesses in the Scottish economy that are known to be most productive and earn the greatest revenues for Scotland's economy, but crucially at present could also adapt quickly to meet new social distancing working practices. Their return to work should also, if necessary, be facilitated, perhaps through a greater focus on / support for their ability to operate. Given that there will be a need to gradually unlock to prevent a second spread of virus, a sector by sector (or even company by company) return is required, and this idea would be one means of providing a criteria for that return to work, especially as travel and contact outside the home is presumably one means of transmission. If necessary, these businesses could also be given medium to long term support (perhaps through tax relief on investment to meet social distancing practices or on PPE purchases) to ensure that they can quickly start operating again.

Why the contribution is important

It is important that the economy recovers to compensate for the economic losses that have had been necessary to counteract Covid-19. A focus on our most productive industries would be one means to achieve this and boost economic growth more quickly. If these industries are up andrunning again quickly, while other parts of the world are also coming out of lockdown, there may also be scope for them to recover and perhaps even exceed their previous market share, increasing their profitability - and tax take - quickly, which will have a longer term benefit for the UK and Scottish economy. This is in line with the same principle that certain medical requirements that were previously halted (such as cancer screening) but also need to be quickly started again.

by JoeinPartick on May 08, 2020 at 10:29AM

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Average rating: 3.8
Based on: 5 votes

Comments

  • Posted by PlasticJock May 08, 2020 at 10:33

    This idea is toooooo slow you need every company to do a proffesionally signed off RAMS by the companies Health and Safety Reprocentitive , they are legally bound to ahear to this.... Also MS method statement.

  • Posted by PurpleRibbon46 May 08, 2020 at 11:32

    So the businesses that earn the greatest revenue should be helped out first? This would result in smaller businesses being left behind and swallowed up by bigger businesses. That's like saying we should only provide free meals to the richest people. And what about charities? They don't create much revenue, but they provide valuable services to communities. Redefine "productive" and then I'll listen.

  • Posted by Wulan19 May 08, 2020 at 13:14

    I agree with the sentiment, but we need as many businesses to start as soon as possible where they can safely. Needs some strong oversight, rules and flexibility. Older employees and those with health conditions should be exempt, but we must start getting the economy moving. It's going to be harder to get back than it was to stop, and there needs to be a strong framework to encourage people.

  • Posted by JoeinPartick May 08, 2020 at 16:15

    In response to earlier comments - and thank you for those - The intention is, yes, that those businesses (large or small) which are most productive and generate most revenue should be prioritised to allowed their to return to work. Assuming there is a link between commuting / travelling to work and the R number, in effect, some degree of "rationing" as to who can go back to work first is required. If society agreed that charitable organisations went back first, fine. My idea is based on the notion that if choices need to be made and decisions taken, revenue generation - and thus tax take and boosting employment - should be prioritised. The NHS and other important health care functions is a given as the top priority. Oil companies, hitherto one of Scotland's most productive industries, currently would not necessarily be prioritised (but that is probably a different discussion).
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