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Scottish SMEs 'look to recruit temporary workers'

Published On 21 May 2007 at 13:06:04

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland looked to recruit more temporary workers in April, according to a new report.

The Bank of Scotland's Labour Market Report highlighted the fact that the Scottish economy is currently buoyant as businesses - including many SMEs - looked to increase their workforce.

Permanent staff placements north of the border increased at their fastest rate for 12 months and temporary and contract staff appointments jumped by their biggest margin in more than four years.

In fact, the bank's labour market barometer rose to a four-month high of 61.3 in April.

"There was a clear strengthening of employment growth in Scotland in April. Temporary employment rose at the quickest pace, as companies moved to meet growing workloads," explained Tim Crawford, the group economist at the Bank of Scotland.

"Although there was some evidence that skill shortages were less widespread than earlier in the year, the Scottish labour market remains tight and many employers are offering higher salaries to attract suitably qualified staff."

The report also found that permanent healthcare staff and temporary engineering and construction workers were in particular demand in Scotland during the month.

Recently, the Office of National Statistics reported that the employment rate in the UK had fallen to 74.3 per cent in three months to March 2007.

 

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