SCOTLAND has narrowed the gap between productivity in the country and the UK average, official figures suggest.

Jenny Stewart, Head of government and infrastructure for the KPMG accountancy firm in Scotland, noted the Office for National Statistics calculated that productivity in Scotland measured by output produced for every hour worked was 97.4 per cent of the UK average in 2015. That compares with 93.2 per cent in 2007, before the recession hit.

Glasgow achieved 92.7 per cent of the UK average, against 85.5 per cent in 2007.

Productivity in Aberdeen was 115 per cent of the UK average in 2015, versus 103 per cent in 2007.

Edinburgh’s productivity improved to 108 per cent of the UK level, from 107 per cent in 2007.

Ms Stewart noted: “Data from the past 12 months suggests strong increases in productivity in the oil and gas sector in 2016, which we would expect, given Aberdeen and the industry’s response to the fall in the oil price. Furthermore, the Glasgow City Deal 10-year investment programme has begun this year and is designed to support a further step-change in the region’s productivity.”

However, she noted UK productivity is low compared to international comparisons. Growth in UK productivity has slowed markedly since the financial crisis.