Sturgeon: Equality key to prosperity

Tackling inequality would generate £1,600 more per head of population, according to the Scottish government.

In a speech later, Nicola Sturgeon will highlight new analysis of research by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The first minister will argue that policies which are fair and equal will lead to greater prosperity.

The UK government has insisted its austerity policies have led to record employment levels in Scotland.

Setting out Scotland's economic strategy, Ms Sturgeon will say that the true cost of inequality and austerity can no longer be ignored.

The Scottish government has looked at recent OECD research and said the UK GDP could have been nearly £100bn higher in 2010 had the UK economy been more equal in the previous decade. This equates to about £1,600 per person.

Ms Sturgeon will argue that by becoming a fairer society, Scotland will also become a more productive and more prosperous society.

Scottish Labour said the first minister was "right to point out appalling inequality in Scotland".

The party said it also had a "powerful vision for making Scotland a better and fairer country".

Sturgeon: Equality key to prosperity

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