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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Scottish economy expands by 1% | Scottish economy expands by 1% |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The Scottish economy grew by 1% in the first quarter of the year and has now grown past its pre-recession level, according to figures published by the Scottish government. | The Scottish economy grew by 1% in the first quarter of the year and has now grown past its pre-recession level, according to figures published by the Scottish government. |
| On an annual basis, GDP was up by 2.6%, compared with the same quarter in 2013. | On an annual basis, GDP was up by 2.6%, compared with the same quarter in 2013. |
| The services sector grew by 0.9% and production by 2.1% but construction contracted by 1%. | The services sector grew by 0.9% and production by 2.1% but construction contracted by 1%. |
| According to Scotland's chief statistician, output in Scotland is now 0.4% above its pre-recession level. | According to Scotland's chief statistician, output in Scotland is now 0.4% above its pre-recession level. |
| 'Important stage' | 'Important stage' |
| Finance Secretary John Swinney said the figures marked "an important stage" in Scotland's economic recovery. | Finance Secretary John Swinney said the figures marked "an important stage" in Scotland's economic recovery. |
| He added: "Nearly six years on from the start of the financial crisis, our economy is now larger than before the downturn. | He added: "Nearly six years on from the start of the financial crisis, our economy is now larger than before the downturn. |
| "Output in Scotland is at record levels and we have exceeded our pre-recession peak at least one quarter ahead of the UK. | "Output in Scotland is at record levels and we have exceeded our pre-recession peak at least one quarter ahead of the UK. |
| "Over the last quarter the improvement in our economy has been broad-based with welcome signs of growth in manufacturing, which was up 3.4% and services which account for over 70% of our economy up 0.9%. | "Over the last quarter the improvement in our economy has been broad-based with welcome signs of growth in manufacturing, which was up 3.4% and services which account for over 70% of our economy up 0.9%. |
| "Today's output figures are supported by new labour market data which show employment has reached a new record in Scotland with our economic activity rate also hitting a record high." | "Today's output figures are supported by new labour market data which show employment has reached a new record in Scotland with our economic activity rate also hitting a record high." |
| Responding to the new figures, a UK government spokesman said: "The government welcomes more positive news on the Scottish economy, with 1% growth in the first quarter of 2014. | |
| "This shows the government's long term economic plan is working for both the UK and Scottish economy." |