Business News Round Up (06/08/2021)
Scottish hiring activity up again in July
Scottish labour market hiring activity has continued to increase during July, according to the latest Royal Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs. Permanent job numbers rose for the seventh month in a row and at a quicker pace, while the rate of increase in temporary jobs remained close to a survey record, despite slowing month-on-month. The report, compiled by IHS Markit, is based on a monthly survey of around 100 recruitment and employment consultants. According to these panellists, the further relaxation of pandemic restrictions and increased economic activity had boosted hiring activity. Subsequently, difficulties finding candidates persisted into the third quarter, as the supply of staff decreased again, while vacancies continued to surge. The mismatch between demand and supply therefore placed further pressure on rates of pay being increased. Data from July highlighted a sustained increase in the number of permanent staff appointments across Scotland. Companies were expanding their workforces following the easing of restrictions, according to respondents.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-hiring-activity-up-again-24696147
North’s recruitment boom continues but momentum fades amid shrinking staff supply
The recruitment boom in the North is continuing – but its momentum is fading amid a shrinking supply of staff, the region’s latest jobs report has shown. The KPMG and REC Report on Jobs for the North pointed to “still-strong” hiring trends in July, with permanent staff placements and temp billings rising at “sharp rates”. That was despite the expansions easing slightly in both instances amid “steep declines” in the availability of both types of workers. Warren Middleton, office senior partner for KPMG in Manchester, said: “With the decline of both permanent and temporary staff availability and such high demand in the jobs market for people with certain skills, we are seeing salary inflation as organisations compete for staff. It is clear some businesses are struggling to meet demand as we see a crunch point between staff having to self-isolate and low staff availability in the jobs market. Businesses must look at upskilling or reskilling potential candidates and if you are out of work, I’d encourage you to look at what skills are in short supply and consider changing sector.”
Middle market businesses urge government to prioritise investment in rural broadband
New research has found that almost half (43%) of the 400 UK middle market business leaders questioned said prioritising investment in rural broadband and 5G would bring the most significant benefit to their business. RSM’s Real Economy Report also revealed that 80% believe investment in telecommunications more broadly, would bring the greatest benefit to their businesses’ day-to-day operations. The study into digital infrastructure comes as the Government announces that the £5bn Project Gigabit upgrade plan will only connect 85% of the nation to high-speed broadband by 2025. The research also reveals that an overwhelming majority (93%) of middle market businesses feel the Government should prioritise investment in digital infrastructure.
Work starts on Greenock cruise ship visitor centre
Construction of a new Greenock cruise ship visitor centre is underway as part of a £19.2 million development which will welcome passengers and crew from some of the world’s largest vessels to Inverclyde. The project, led by Inverclyde Council, is part of the £1 billion Glasgow City Region City Deal funded by the Scottish and UK governments, with contributions from Peel Ports (£8m), operators of the existing Greenock Ocean Terminal, and the George Wyllie Foundation via the Dunard Trust (£1.5m). Designed by Richard Murphy Architects and being built by Heron Bros, the development is expected to increase visitor numbers to some 150,000 passengers a year and provide a £26m boost to the Scottish economy.
https://scottishconstructionnow.com/article/work-starts-on-greenock-cruise-ship-visitor-centre