Scottish Parliament – June 2, 2021 – 2

S6M-00165.2: As an amendment to motion S6M-00165 in the name of Kate Forbes (Economic Recovery), leave out from "recognises that a thriving economy" to end and insert "urges the Scottish Government to review and learn lessons from its economic response to the pandemic to date, which has seen delayed allocation of Barnett consequentials and underspend in key business support funds;

emphasises the need for ongoing support and the requirement for a further stimulus, in particular to the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors, in order to restart the economy;

recognises the impact that a thriving economy has on wider health and social outcomes;

considers that long-term economic recovery must be measured in jobs, wage growth, reduced income inequality, investment and productivity;

acknowledges that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts by the Scottish Government had failed to address low productivity and stagnant growth in wages and jobs in comparison to other areas of the UK, and affirms that recovery must address and tackle these broad measures and that the recovery effort will likely last the duration of the current parliamentary session and require the constant focus of the Scottish Government, working with trade unions and organisations in the public, private and third sectors."

Original motion(S6M-00165): That the Parliament recognises the significant and ongoing impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the Scottish economy;

acknowledges the economic and financial hardship faced by businesses, communities and individuals due to efforts to suppress the virus;

agrees on the urgent need to create the conditions for a sustainable economic recovery that delivers fairer and greater prosperity in Scotland across all regions and sectors;

recognises that a thriving economy, with secure and meaningful employment opportunities, has an impact on long-term health and social outcomes;

agrees that economic recovery must be a national endeavour supported by the collective action of public, private and third sectors, and calls for cross-party collaboration to achieve this.