David Hume Institute David Hume Institute

New Report: Who will do the jobs in Scotland?

Current employment rates in Scotland are at a near-record high. However, Scotland’s population is ageing fast and there is a low birth rate.

By 2041, the pension-age population is projected to increase by 265,000, while the working-age population is only projected to rise by 38,000.

This report discusses the challenges facing Scotland with changes to migration patterns and a shortage of workers. What can we do to meet the labour supply challenges in Scotland. Who will do the jobs?

v4 4277 DHI Wealth of a Nation II - cover.jpeg

Current employment rates in Scotland are at a near-record high. However, Scotland’s population is ageing fast and there is a low birth rate.

By 2041, the pension-age population is projected to increase by 265,000, while the working-age population is only projected to rise by 38,000.

This report discusses the challenges facing Scotland with changes to migration patterns and a shortage of workers. What can we do to meet the labour supply challenges in Scotland. Who will do the jobs?

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David Hume Institute David Hume Institute

2019 Summer Reading List

Each year, the David Hume Institute publishes a Summer Reading List for the Scottish First Minister. It is intended as a fresh way to stimulate debate about the state of the nation and brings together some of the best writing from Scotland and beyond. While the Institute does not endorse every view expressed in the books, they have been chosen because they are good reads, based on sound evidence. It is the office of First Minister that we have in mind rather than any particular incumbent and we hope that the First Minister, or indeed any Scot, would find them stimulating.

Image of books

Each year, the David Hume Institute publishes a Summer Reading List. It is intended as a fresh way to stimulate debate about the state of the nation and brings together some of the best writing from Scotland and beyond. While the Institute does not endorse every view expressed in the books, they have been chosen because they are good reads, based on sound evidence.

The publication explains the reasons behind the list and why we chose the specific books on this year’s list. We hope they provide some enjoyable, thought-provoking reading for your summer.

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David Hume Institute David Hume Institute

New Report: Scotland's Productivity Challenge

Scottish productivity has all but stalled in the last fifteen years and a turnaround is required if future living standards are to improve. This report makes recommendations for government, policymakers, business and trade unions, based on the conclusions of new research and case studies. It details five evidence-based stories of what has worked in comparable places and draws lessons from their experiences. In each case a ruthless focus on evidence, building consensus across the political divide, and developing strong and credible institutions were all necessary to turn things around.

Wealth of the Nation image

Scottish productivity has all but stalled in the last fifteen years and a turnaround is required if future living standards are to improve. This report makes recommendations for government, policymakers, business and trade unions, based on the conclusions of new research and case studies. It details five evidence-based stories of what has worked in comparable places and draws lessons from their experiences. In each case a ruthless focus on evidence, building consensus across the political divide, and developing strong and credible institutions were all necessary to turn things around.

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David Hume Institute David Hume Institute

2018 Summer Reading List

The David Hume Institute is delighted to present its inaugural First Minister’s Summer Reading List. Bringing together some of the best recent writing from Scotland and beyond, the list is intended as a fresh way to stimulate debate about the state of the nation and the world. While the Institute does not endorse every view expressed in the books, they are all good reads, based on evidence and with something of significance to say. We hope the First Minister – or indeed any Scot – will find them thought-provoking and an enjoyable addition to their summer break. 

Image of Books

The David Hume Institute is delighted to present its inaugural First Minister’s Summer Reading List. Bringing together some of the best recent writing from Scotland and beyond, the list is intended as a fresh way to stimulate debate about the state of the nation and the world. While the Institute does not endorse every view expressed in the books, they are all good reads, based on evidence and with something of significance to say. We hope the First Minister – or indeed any Scot – will find them thought-provoking and an enjoyable addition to their summer break. 

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