Construction workers ‘in high demand’ in Scotland

The Bank of Scotland’s new Report on Jobs suggests that construction workers and engineering staff were the most highly sought-after job candidates during August, in terms of temporary positions.

The construction industry continues to bounce back from the recession, providing new opportunities for apprentices and other entry-level workers.

A separate index charting activity levels in the construction trade posted a score of 64 in August. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply, which compiled the index, said any score higher than 50 represents growth.

Despite the positive news regarding temporary roles, the Bank of Scotland said August also saw a record decline in the number of job candidates available to fill permanent vacancies across all sectors.

The organisation said the availability of permanent job candidates fell at its quickest rate in almost 12 years over the course of last month.

This finding may fuel fears that some employers are facing skills shortages, with candidates offering the desired attributes not always available.

The bank said the overall number of staff appointments went up during August, despite the dip in the availability of candidates.

Commenting on these trends, Donald MacRae, the group’s chief economist, said large numbers of people are managing to secure both permanent and temporary roles in Scotland.

He added: “There was a record drop in people available for jobs and growing evidence of strong growth in pay, confirming the tightening of the jobs market.

“The economic recovery continues, with business confidence remaining high.”

Echoing Mr MacRae’s comments, the report showed that permanent salaries increased at a steep rate during August, with wages for temporary workers also rising.

Glasgow was the area which experienced the largest dip in permanent candidate availability during the month. In terms of temporary roles, candidate availability fell most quickly in Dundee.

More than one hundred recruitment consultancies were questioned by the bank as part of its research.