LABOUR productivity in Scotland increased by 1.1% between January and March compared to the same period last year.
According to analysis published by Scotland’s chief statistician Roger Halliday, growth in output per hour worked also grew by 0.4% in quarter one, up on the 0.2% growth recorded in the previous quarter.
The rise in productivity is still behind the 1.5% increase on average per year between 1998 and 2007, with the financial crisis and recession in 2008 outlined as having had a long-term impact on the economy.
Since 2007, there has been an average rate of around 1% each year.
There was also a slight rise of 0.5% in the total number of hours worked between quarter one in 2018 and quarter one in 2019, although total hours remain behind 2007 levels.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: “These latest figures are further evidence of Scotland’s strong economy as output per hour worked has increased compared to the same quarter last year. This follows statistics earlier this week which showed Scotland’s employment rate remains close to the highest on record. While these figures are to be welcomed, the UK Government’s EU exit plans – particularly the increasing likeliness of a No-Deal Brexit – will damage our economy and make people poorer.
“That is why the Scottish Government has consistently been clear the best option for the future well-being and prosperity of Scotland is to stay in the European Union.”
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