Scottish economy to lag behind rest of UK this year
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The EY Scottish Item Club 2017 summer update said the sluggishness will come as robust consumer spending recedes and businesses remain reluctant to invest.
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It said the Scottish economy faces a “challenging” 2017, with growth predicted to reach 0.9 per cent – half the rate forecast for the UK as a whole.
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Hide AdThe retail sector is expected to suffer the most from further consumer pressures, with spending growth expected to slow to 1.1 per cent from 2.4 per cent in 2016.
However, the outlook for manufacturing is brighter, with output expected to grow in line with the UK economy for the first time since 2013.
Dougie Adams, senior economic advisor to the EY Scottish Item Club, said Scotland’s economy “is stuck in the slow lane,” due in part to many large public sector infrastructure projects coming to an end.
• READ MORE: Scottish economy fears as UK growth revised downward
Mark Gregory, EY’s chief economist, UK and Ireland, said Scotland’s economy failing to keep pace with the rest of the UK “sends a clear message that business and government will have to work harder… to achieve sustained growth”.
He added: “The economy has to rebalance away from reliance on public-funded major infrastructure projects. Diversification is also required to help move away from an over-reliance on oil and gas, construction and financial services.”