Business leaders across the UK have issued a joint statement urging Scots to vote No on Thursday.
As the campaign enters its final two days, the heads of the CBI’s network of 190,000 businesses have appealed directly to the people of Scotland to stay together within the union.
Elsewhere, SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon and finance chief John Swinney have been in Renfrew this morning arguing that a Yes vote will give Scotland the job creating powers necessary for a successful future.
The CBI statement acknowledged Thursday’s decision was “rightly” one for the people of Scotland to make, but added: “We want Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom and hope you vote to do so. We believe that the prosperity of all people in the UK would be best served by Scotland remaining part of it.
“We know the last five years have been difficult for many people – both those in work and those trying to get jobs. Businesses need to and will do more to help improve living standards.
“But the economic recovery is now underway and keeping the United Kingdom together is the best way to grow the economy and boost jobs. That’s because we share an internal market of 64 million people, and almost 70% of Scotland’s exports are with the rest of the UK.”
Speaking at renewables industry firm Steel Engineering this morning, Ms Sturgeon said an independent Scottish government would be “focussed on a job creation policy solely for Scotland” and would use the nation’s wealth to support public services such as the NHS.
She said: “At present we have a Tory government we didn’t vote for determined to cut spending and investment in Scotland. And we have seen Westminster government’s stand by while Scotland’s manufacturing industry was decimated.
“Only a Yes vote will ensure we have full powers over job creation – enabling us to create more and better jobs across the country. So instead of almost 40,000 young people leaving Scotland each year as is currently the case there will be more opportunities for our young people here at home.”
Mr Swinney added: “Scotland has immense natural resources with 10% of Europe’s wave energy and 25% of Europe’s wind and tidal potential – energy resources that can help to reindustrialise our economy.
“In life sciences, tourism, food and drink and manufacturing we have the skills, the talents, the resources and the people. There is no doubt Scotland has what it takes to be a successful independent country.”