Services driving economy

Call centres, financial services and utility companies drove demand for new recruits in Scotland in the last quarter.

The latest Manpower-Group Employment Outlook Survey found Scottish firms were more upbeat about general economic conditions and their own business prospects in the three-month period, although recruitment intentions did fall back marginally.

“Interestingly, despite Brexit uncertainty, financial services and utilities companies have been the best performing over recent months,” operations director Jason Greaves said.

“We are also encouraged that Nicola Sturgeon has revealed plans to create a national investment bank which is expected to create 150 jobs.

“Contact centre roles are also in demand, so these companies require a slick recruitment process.

“Suitable candidates rarely hang around for long, so employers need to be particularly responsive when they find the right candidate.”

Across the UK, jobs optimism rose to its highest level for more than a year, with hospitality being particularly strong.

The construction sector was a poor performer, with hiring confidence taking a 6% hit and falling 12% below the level at the same juncture last year.

Recruitment fell in the construction trade in the last quarter.