Public sector has key role, says John Swinney

FINANCE secretary John Swinney told business leaders yesterday that Scotland’s public sector can play a key role in boosting the economy.

He used a speech to the Economic Development Association (Scotland), to claim that running a successful NHS and criminal justice system would benefit the economy. Mr Swinney said the government was working to secure investment in the NHS by working with drugs companies and that reducing re-offending rates and Scotland’s prison population would lead to people being available for work.

“There has been a fundamental shift in the way the public sector has a key involvement in promoting economic growth,” he said. “For example, Nicola Sturgeon the Cabinet secretary for health, is involved in talking to a major pharmaceutical investor in Scotland.

“Another example is the work the government is doing to reduce re-offending. Reducing re-offending means that you generate more economically active people.”