Build a recovery

Alarming reports of Scottish unemployment rates outstripping the rest of the UK should prompt government at all levels to look afresh at the strategy for bringing this country out of recession.

UK-wide, the figures show construction hit harder than any other sector – the result of a collapse in private housebuilding and commercial and industrial construction. They also show young Scots aged 16-24 hit particularly hard. But the fact remains that construction employs more modern apprentices than any other sector in Scotland.

Meanwhile, separate statistics show Scottish construction needing to recruit an additional 36,000 people over the next five years to avoid a skills shortage.

Those in control of the public purse strings looking to trim the considerable fat from the public sector need also to channel additional resources back into supporting strategically important industries. Construction ought to be a priority.

Tax cuts and incentives on building works, targeted support for construction apprentices and additional money diverted to capital expenditure number among the most effective measures to set our economy on an accelerated path towards sustainable recovery.

MICHAEL LEVACK

Chief executive

Scottish Building Federation

Crichton's Close, Edinburgh