Latest news with #DiffleyPartnership
The National
7 days ago
- Business
- The National
70 per cent of businesses support Scottish visa scheme
A poll published today reveals 70% of Scottish [[business]]es support the introduction of a Scottish visa, with a similar percentage saying the Scottish Government should have the power to do so. Only 17% of respondents said they opposed the idea of a Scottish visa, while the remaining 14% were neutral or unsure. Scotland's rural areas have been disproportionately affected by post-Brexit immigration issues due to a reliance on EU workers in critical sectors like agriculture, care, and hospitality. READ MORE: Police Scotland investigating national Palestine demo in Edinburgh In an attempt to address those issues, the SNP Government in 2022 proposed a 'targeted migration solution' in the form of a Rural Visa Pilot. However, immigration is reserved to Westminster. The Understanding Business Survey, conducted by the Diffley Partnership and 56 Degrees North, also showed that around half believe general economic conditions are worse than a year ago, when Labour came into government. SNP MSP Stuart McMillan (above) said: 'For years Scottish businesses have suffered as a result of woeful economic mismanagement, Brexit and harmful anti-immigrant rhetoric. 'This began under the Tories but under Labour, the Westminster government is now to the tune of Farage, doubling down on Brexit and presiding over rampant inflation. 'The SNP has always opposed Brexit - the greatest act of economic harm inflicted on Scotland in decades - while calling for a distinct approach to migration here in Scotland. 'We know we face challenges that are different from those facing the UK as a whole. We want to tackle those head on and believe the Scottish Government is best placed to do that. 'I, along with hundreds of Scottish [[business]]es, urge the Labour Government to listen, get out the way of progress and devolve the power to introduce a Scottish visa to Holyrood.' Mark Diffley, founder and director at Diffley Partnership, said: 'The standout data point this quarter is the significant business support for the introduction of a Scottish visa for workers, backed by seven in 10 business, up to 75% of those with an opinion either way on the issues. 'Combined with other positive views about the impact of migration on the labour force and the economy, this should give political parties food for thought ahead of next year's election. 'Meanwhile, although the business community in Scotland is still rather more pessimistic than optimistic, the gap between the two has closed which gives some hope about the possibility of a more positive outlook ahead after a long, tough period for businesses.'
The Herald Scotland
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Major survey reveals 'standout' view on 'Scottish visa'
The latest Understanding Business survey, conducted by 56° North and Diffley Partnership, found 70% of companies are supportive of a Scottish visa to allow some migrants to come to work in Scotland, as long as they live in the country and maintain a Scottish tax code. A slightly smaller number, 68%, believe migration is vital for filling critical skills shortages in Scotland and that the Scottish Government should have power to control the migration of workers. However, respondents to the survey were conscious of the impact of migration on the local workforce, and the need for joined-up thinking on devolution of migration and UK-wide immigration policy. Scottish businesses groups, notably those representing the hospitality and tourism sectors, have regularly voiced concern over skills shortages since Brexit, which ended the free movement of people between the UK and countries within the European Union. There have been calls by the [[Scottish Government]] in recent years for the introduction of a Scottish immigration visa system to help attract workers to Scotland, but they have been resisted by the UK Government, which controls immigration policy. However, it appears the issue is not going away. The latest Understanding Business survey suggests Scottish employers are interested in a more flexible, regionally responsive immigration policy, particularly in light of workforce shortages and general economic pressures. The proposed visa would be designed to meet the needs of the Scottish labour market and population requirements which can differ from those in other parts of the UK. Only 17% of respondents said they opposed the idea of a Scottish visa, while the remaining 14% were neutral or unsure. The survey authors said the relatively low level of opposition suggests there is broad recognition among employers of the economic and demographic benefits of such a scheme. The proposed Scottish visa would allow migrants to work and pay tax in Scotland, while being required to live in the country. This would reflect immigration models used in countries such as Canada and Australia. The support shown towards a Scottish visa came as businesses indicated a degree of confidence about the economic outlook. A plurality of expect turnover (47%) and profitability (44%) to increase over the next 12 months, record highs for the survey series, followed closely by those that think their turnover or profitability will remain the same in the next year, at 41% and 39%. Around half (48%) believe general economic conditions are worse than a year ago, and 41% expect that conditions will continue to deteriorate over the next year. But a growing proportion expressed the view that the general economy is better now than a year ago (30%) or will improve over the next year (35%), up seven and 10 percentage points respectively. Well over half of Scottish businesses said they were more concerned about tax (56%) and inflation (55%) than they were three months ago, although these proportions witnessed small declines of three and four percentage points respectively. Meanwhile, there were encouraging findings for government ministers who are often accused of being out of touch with business. More businesses agreed that the Scottish and UK Governments are concerned with the needs of Scottish business and taking action to address them. Agreement that the UK Government is concerned with the needs of Scottish business is 'notably lower' compared with the perception of the Scottish Government on this front, at two in five (40%) compared to over half (53%). However, both have risen considerably since the last survey wave, up seven and five percentage points. A smaller gap was apparent when considering if both governments are taking action to address Scottish business concerns. Mark Diffley, founder and director at Diffley Partnership said: 'The standout data point this quarter is the significant business support for the introduction of a Scottish visa for workers, backed by seven in 10 business, up to 75% of those with an opinion either way on the issues. 'Combined with other positive views about the impact of migration on the labour force and the economy, this should give political parties food for thought ahead of next year's election. 'Meanwhile, although the business community in Scotland is still rather more pessimistic than optimistic, the gap between the two has closed which gives some hope about the possibility of a more positive outlook ahead after a long, tough period for businesses.' John Penman, managing partner at 56° North said: 'Our last survey showed Reform, which is the most vocal party in terms of restricting immigration, were gaining support among business in Scotland, however these results show that many businesses are in favour of bringing skilled migrants into the Scottish workforce. 'Reform's continued strong showing in the polls may well mean this becomes a recurring theme in the run up to next year's Scottish election as parties seek to position themselves as best for economic growth.' Understanding Business surveyed more than 500 Scottish businesses across a range of sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.
The Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
SNP spent £5,400 on focus group in Matheson's seat
Details of the contract with the Diffley Partnership were revealed in the spending receipts for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. The firm, run by polling expert Mark Diffley, invoiced the party for £10,800 for focus groups in Falkirk and Hamilton, with £5,400 declared as an expense in the by-election. copy of the invoice from the Diffley Partnership to the SNP (Image: NQ) READ MORE Falkirk was one of the SNP's biggest losses at last year's general election, with Labour's Euan Stainbank overturning their majority of 14,948. In the immediate aftermath of the vote, the party's candidate, Toni Giugliano, blamed both Mr Matheson and John Swinney. The former minister was handed the longest ever suspension in Holyrood for accumulating a data roaming bill of £11,000 on his parliamentary iPad while on holiday in Morocco. Holyrood's Standards Committee recommended the Falkirk West MSP be suspended for 27 days and for his salary to be withdrawn for 54 days — a financial penalty roughly equivalent to the size of the ex-health secretary's data roaming bill. But the First Minister stunned MSPs when he said he would not back the ban. He claimed the probe into his 'friend and colleague' had been 'prejudiced'. The SNP pushed through an amendment to the motion which criticised the process used to sanction Mr Matheson. However, the party's 63 MSPs then abstained on the final vote on the amended motion. It was carried by 64 votes to zero after all four opposition parties supported it. Mr Matheson announced in March this year that he would stand down at the next Holyrood election. The Herald previously reported that he had initially intended to seek re-election but was persuaded to step aside following an intervention from the party leadership. Falkirk is something of a bellwether for the SNP (Image: PA) The city is something of a bellwether for the SNP. At the 2021 election, Mr Matheson won with 54.3% of the vote, securing a majority of 14,149. That should make his constituency one of the SNP's safest. The neighbouring constituency of Falkirk East is also set for a change, with incumbent Michelle Thomson standing down at the next election. She won 47% of the vote in 2021. Losing either or both of these seats would be a serious blow to the party's hopes of holding off Labour in Central Scotland and keeping control of the Scottish Government. READ MORE Falkirk has been particularly affected by the closure of the Grangemouth refinery and the decision of Alexander Dennis to relocate south of the Border. All political parties hold focus groups in a bid to understand voters' thoughts, feelings and perspectives. They normally involve around 10 people being asked to have a discussion about a range of topics. An SNP spokesperson said: 'We regularly hold focus groups with people across the country as part of ensuring we are listening to people on the issues which matter most to them.'
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Top concerns of Scots ahead of Holyrood election must be heeded
Health care, cost of living, poverty, the economy and, now, immigration - these are the top concerns amongst Scots and politicians should be ready to face all of these worries. Never underestimate the power of public opinion. This is a phrase which should be scrawled all over the walls of political party's campaign rooms ahead of Holyrood 2026. They should be memorising it, living it, breathing it. Without appealing to voters' concerns, political parties are nothing and they would do well in remembering that. It's fortunate there are studies out there to guide them. This month, the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker, produced by the Diffley Partnership and David Hume Institute, polled 2,326 adults, aged 16 and over, across Scotland. It identified a shift in public concerns as well as rising economic unease. Politicians should be paying heed to this. READ MORE: Immigration ranked as a top concern for Scots, new report reveals Can Reform win the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election? Scottish by-election: Constituents deserve a race to be their MSP The latest survey found that healthcare and the cost of living remain by far the most pressing issues, cited by around a half (49%) and over a third (36%) of people, respectively. The next most cited issue is poverty (17%). However, for the first time since the tracker began in October 2021, immigration has joined the top five public concerns. It is now ranked as a top issue by 16% of Scots, drawing neck and neck with the economy which gained the same amount of percentage points. Amongst those living in the most deprived areas, it is 22%. Senior Research Manager at the Diffley Partnership, Scott Edgar, who led the survey design, told The Herald they have been tracking the topic of immigration for a long time and it's only gradually ticked up over the last 12 months or so. This concern has potentially been brushed away by political parties in Scotland as more of a hot topic for down South with small boats crossing the Channel. It still is, but this study shows it is now on the minds of more and more Scots. Then there's the incredibly pressing issue of economic uncertainty which has stood out in the latest findings. Of those polled, 70% of respondents say economic conditions have worsened compared to a year ago, and almost half (49%) say their own financial situation has deteriorated over the same period. Alarmingly, one in five people said they cannot cover a £100 emergency without borrowing money, a figure that jumps to 44% when considering a £500 expense. What's more, half of Scots report scaling back discretionary expenses, and nearly half are conserving energy at home. Scots are struggling and they are strongly questioning whether the answers lie with the current political establishment as the issue of trust in politicians is also on the rise. With Scotland's main political parties testing out their strategies for next year's parliamentary elections in the Hamilton, Stonehouse and Larkhall by-election right now, they have likely heard some if not all of these issues voiced on the doors. However, this report should sound alarm bells in the ranks of all of Scotland's political parties and shape what they are focusing on in terms of developing their policy platforms ahead of Holyrood 2026. Voters will be looking to Scotland's politicians to offer solutions which address the economic challenges they face, improve their healthcare, standard of living and, now, address the other rising concerns they have. They all better have good answers.
The National
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Poll predicts big boost for SNP and lead over Scottish Labour
Carried out by Survation on behalf of Edinburgh-based research agency Diffley Partnership, the survey asked over 1000 Scots how they would vote in Scottish Parliament and Westminster parliament elections as well as how they would vote in an independence referendum. In voting intentions for the Scottish Parliament ahead of the 2026 election, the SNP leads with 36% backing the party in the constituency vote. READ MORE: Aberdeen locals react to Michael Gove choosing 'Lord of Torry' title On the regional list, support stands at 28% – ahead of Scottish Labour, who poll at 22% in both ballots. It represents a boost for John Swinney, with The National's recent poll putting support for the party at 35% and 25% in constituency and list vote respectively. The Scottish Tories, meanwhile, come in at 13% for the constituency vote and 16% on the list. Reform UK registers double-digit support, with 14% of respondents saying they would vote for the party in the constituency ballot and 12% in the list vote. The Scottish Greens have 5% in constituency but 10% in list vote (below). (Image: Diffley Partnership) When it comes to Westminster voting intention, 33% would support the SNP, 24% would support Labour, 15% would vote for Reform UK, and 14% for the Conservatives. The poll also surveyed how respondents would vote in an independence referendum, with 49% reporting that they would vote Yes and 51% would vote No. READ MORE: Hotel on Scotland's NC500 with 'stunning views' put up for sale Scott Edgar, senior research manager at the Diffley Partnership said: 'With the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections just a year away, this poll shows the SNP are in pole position to remain the largest party at Holyrood come next May. 'Despite Labour's efforts in recent months, they have yet to make significant inroads into the SNP's lead.' He added: 'Meanwhile, Reform UK's polling performance indicates that they will be a force to be reckoned with at next year's election. 'As the election approaches, all parties will be looking to seize the narrative, clearly articulate their vision, and make a compelling pitch to voters in what promises to be one of the most consequential elections since devolution.'
