THE EU referendum vote may be only the latest in a series of events to curb the economy’s full recovery from the great financial crisis, but it is likely to prove the most damaging to Scotland’s long-term economic and social interests.

Those currently cherry picking statistics from the vote’s immediate aftermath to construct positive narratives for Scotland’s economic future are fooling themselves.

The STUC has two principal concerns: the long-term impact on trade, jobs, growth, wages, household incomes, productivity and innovation, and the potential undermining of crucial employment rights hitherto safeguarded by the EU.

Read more: Beyond Brexit - Holyrood 'keeping Scottish councils in dark' about Brexit

While a soft Brexit might be preferable to a harder version, we find it impossible to conceive of an outcome that will leave the Scottish economy in a better position than it currently enjoys under full membership of the single market and customs union.

But won’t Brexit facilitate a more progressive approach to trade deals, public contracts and transport, as two MSPs argued last week? Sadly, that will not happen.

The assumption Brexit frees Scotland from EU-imposed constraints on state aid and public procurement policy fails to appreciate all plausible scenarios would entail new and potentially just as restrictive limits on domestic policy.

Who can have confidence a Free Trade Agreement negotiated between an inexperienced UK government and, say, the super slick Office of the United States Trade Representative will lead to better outcomes for workers, communities and the environment?

Read more: Beyond Brexit - Holyrood 'keeping Scottish councils in dark' about Brexit

It is also unlikely any additional policy flexibility would begin to compensate for negative macroeconomic effects.

A more progressive approach to trade and global integration is surely dependent on a block with the EU’s power and reach being steered in the right direction.

Witness the EU’s current progress on tax evasion/avoidance and anti-trust cases against powerful firms. The great challenges facing the world require more co-operation and co- ordination, not less.

The truth is it’s just very difficult to discern opportunities for Scotland from the sorry mess that is Brexit. Even the enthusiasts in the farming and fishing lobbies are likely to be disappointed. It is, for instance, doubtful the UK will be able to continue to subsidise farming to the same extent under WTO membership.

The latest trade statistics reveal the anticipated post-vote export bounce has thus far failed to materialise. Firms exporting higher value goods and services are likely to suffer most.

Read more: Beyond Brexit - Holyrood 'keeping Scottish councils in dark' about Brexit

The last thing Scottish workers need to hear at this time is unreasonably optimistic hot air.

Stephen Boyd is the assistant secretary of the STUC