Scottish construction workers ‘still in demand’

Demand for skilled construction workers in Scotland rocketed last month as the property market stirred back to life, new research suggests.

Construction was one of a number of strong performers in The Bank of Scotland’s latest new Labour Market Barometer.

The report measures areas such as levels of staff demand, employment and wages to create a single-figure snapshot of labour market conditions, and read 64.9 in September.

That was a slight contraction from the previous month’s figure of 67.1, but anything above 50 represents improvement as opposed to deterioration, so the signs still look positive moving forward.

The 64.9 reading is also above the equivalent UK index, for the third month in succession, the bank said.

Property experts predicted that the housing market would pick up again in the wake of Scotland’s decision to say no to independence, as buyers and sellers held back until the referendum process had finished.

Donald MacRae, chief economist at the Bank of Scotland, said it highlights Scotland’s continuing economic recovery.

“September’s barometer showed a continuing rise in the number of people appointed to both permanent and temporary jobs, although at a lower rate than recent highs,” he commented.

“Starting salary pay rose strongly, reflecting the growing lack of available candidates for vacant positions.

“The barometer is showing almost four years of monthly improvement, resulting in the rate of unemployment in September of 5.5 per cent.”

The number of people being placed in permanent jobs in Scotland has now increased for 19 months in a row, it is thought.

Construction is an important part of the country’s economy, and the strong demand for jobs in the industry offers further good news for its recovery.

Scottish finance secretary John Swinney welcomed the findings of the report and reiterated his intentions for the coming years.

“The latest Budget for Scotland outlines key measures that will secure continued growth and further improvements in employment,” he said.

Mr Swinney cited the importance of the £4.5 billion of infrastructure investments which are planned for 2015-16.