Recruitment difficulties force employers to push salaries up

Scottish salaries are rising quickly due to recruitment difficulties, according to new research from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

The latest quarterly economic indicator reveals that companies in every sector struggled to find staff. This correlates with ONS data released this week, which saw vacancies rise to 824,000 across the UK, the highest level recorded since equivalent records began in 2001.

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Neil Amner, of Anderson Strathern and Chair of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Economic Advisory Group, warned that recruitment difficulties have returned to the fore once again as the labour market continues to tighten.  “The most recent ONS data has illustrated that both the employment rate, and the number of vacancies in the UK jobs market is at record levels,” he said.

“With every sector in this report anticipating increasing pay levels, it is clear the challenging labour market is creating heightened competition for those with the right skills. Sectors such as retail which have cut back on broader investment, are also continuing to focus on training, perhaps with staff retention as a key outcome.”