Scotland needs new economic model that puts people at heart of economy

SCVO media release 7 May 2014 For immediate release  The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has published a new report, An Economy for All, which outlines how we can build a stronger economy by reducing inequality. The report calls for people’s well-being to become the end goal of the economy and for more recognition of unpaid contributions to the economy. Ahead of giving evidence to the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee (on Wednesday 7 May) on Scotland’s economic future, John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, SCVO, said: “We need an economic strategy that works for people in Scotland not just for business. By building our economy around people’s needs - secure jobs, health and happiness - we’ll see inequality drop and economic growth rise. “For too long poor economic choices have plunged families and communities across Scotland into poverty. Our economic model failed in 2008, and is continuing to fail. If we don’t make changes people will continue to live in poverty and the economy won’t grow. “We can’t keep repeating the same mistakes. We need to completely rethink our economy and come up with a new approach that works for people and for business.” ENDS Notes to editors: 1. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations is the national body representing the interests of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. The Scottish third sector turns over £4.5 billion a year and employs 138,000 people in over 45,000 organisations. For more on SCVO see www.scvo.scot 2. The report, An Economy for All is available online 3. For further info or to request an interview, please contact Charlotte McNeill, Communications & Press Officer at SCVO, on 07790 601 995