LIZ McAREAVEY

Few in the commercial world would argue with the old maxim that businesses are only as good as the people they employ.

That becomes ever more true as we continue to move towards a knowledge-based economy, with the future focus likely to come in highly-skilled sectors such as life sciences, infomatics, data innovation and artificial intelligence.

The automation of many repetitive, manual jobs is closer than we think and the digital revolution will change the way we work, live and play. Now is the time to look carefully at what the future workforce of Scotland will look like. What are the businesses that will spring forth from this new innovation, right here on our doorstep? What are the jobs that will be created and what skills will these jobs require? Let us educate our young people in these new skills, in transferable soft skills, and also the opportunities and value the new sectors can generate for Scotland.

At a time when Scotland is fast becoming a global leader in knowledge and technologies in its world class universities it has never been more important that, as a nation, we are in a position to take maximum advantage. And that means having a deep pool of skilled and motivated people.

That is why businesses are taking an ever greater interest in encouraging a more inclusive society. Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it the smart thing to do.

A staggering 25% of Scotland’s children live in poverty, this equates to 260,000, up 3% on 2014/15 figures. That means we need to redouble our efforts to win this battle.

The effects of child poverty should not be underestimated. Children from higher income families significantly outperform those from low income households. Those in households with incomes below £10,000 are two and a half times more likely to suffer chronic illness than children in households with incomes above £52,000 and there are strong links between child poverty and poor mental health.

Child poverty is a complex social issue, and as a priority we must invest in our future workforce. At the heart of this is to address the issue of poverty so they have a fair and equal opportunity to a happy and fulfilled life.

Creating motivated, ambitious and confident young people comes from inclusiveness and equality. Society and the economy can only benefit and grow if we get this up the agenda. Business has a leading role to play in this.

Developing the Young Workforce is an initiative set up by Scottish Government to link Business to Education and encourage businesses to participate in inspirational activities, career insights, work placements and apprenticeships. The Chamber network across Scotland is taking a lead role in brokering these connections. If you are part of a business which offers fulfilling opportunities, then please think about sparing some time to enthuse and inspire our young people.

Liz McAreavey is chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.