To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out any analysis of the potential impact that a policy to reduce net migration to the United Kingdom would have on its long-term labour market strategy. (S6O-03556)

Current and proposed UK immigration policies fail to address Scotland’s distinct demographic and economic needs. Migrant workers are vital in addressing the decline of our working-age population, and Scottish employers are increasingly dependent on migrant workers for a growing proportion of their workforce.

The work of our independent expert advisory group on migration and population has consistently shown the economic benefits that migration brings to Scotland.

Scotland has a declining working-age population. Migration will only become more important to maintaining a thriving economy and robust public services. Given that both the Tories and Labour seem determined to slash the numbers, does the cabinet secretary share my concerns about the potential impact on Scotland’s workforce?

I share those concerns absolutely and in full, because evidence shows that migrants who choose Scotland as their home help to grow our economy, increase productivity and innovation, address skills shortages and make essential contributions to communities.

We need to be able to access skilled labour, not least at a time when unemployment is at a record low. We know that, particularly in rural areas, we face the prospect of double-digit depopulation.

As one way to mitigate those barriers, in March, we launched Scotland’s migration service, which provides vital information and advice to employers and people who have recently moved to Scotland. However, ultimately, that matter needs to be resolved at source.

That concludes portfolio questions on Deputy First Minister responsibilities, the economy and Gaelic. There will be a brief pause before we move to the next item of business, to allow front-bench teams to change position.