4 days ago
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.
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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.'
