Job prospects grow for Scottish workers

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Workers across Scotland are more optimistic about their job prospects compared to the rest of the UK, according to the latest Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index (JCI) – an economic confidence tracker produced in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).

The latest edition of the JCI found that two thirds (66%) of workers across Scotland are confident about their job security in the next six months, above the national average of 61%.  Given the strength of the country’s renewable energy market – with GB Energy set to be headquartered in Aberdeen – and amid growing speculation that Scotland will be named the host of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, this confidence is understandable.

“It’s encouraging to see the level of optimism that Scottish workers have in relation to their job prospects, particularly given the tough economic climate that so many have had to navigate recently. What we are clearly seeing now, though, are a number of green shoots of optimism for Scotland.  The strength of its energy sector has to be lauded and the recent news that GB Energy will be opening new headquarters in Aberdeen is a boost to local workforces,” comments Reggie McMahon, Branch Director, Scotland, Robert Half.

“For employers, though, there will be concerns around the impact that this optimism will have on the costs of, and ability to, recruit core talent – particularly in the harder hit skill short STEM fields that are so critical to the Scottish economy.  With employees more secure in their post, competition for staff will only intensify, putting further pressure on wages for already over-stretched budgets.  Plus, with the New Deal soon coming into play ahead of October’s Budget announcement, some firms are likely to be apprehensive about their hiring capabilities in the immediate future.”

Employees in Scotland were also more optimistic about the impact that the New Deal for Working People will have on their daily working lives.  A net 45% of respondents felt it would have a positive impact on them, compared to the national average of 40% and the second highest recorded level of all regions across the UK, surpassed only by London.