Salaries rise as job applicants from EU fade

Scottish starting salaries are accelerating due to higher demand for staff in areas such as hospitality as EU national applicants fall since the Brexit vote, the latest snapshot on the jobs scene in Scotland shows today.

The IHS Markit Report on Jobs for Scotland says it comes as permanent staff appointments rose strongly during March, but that growth eased to a 12-month low. Temp billings expanded last month at their fastest in nine months, said the report compiled for the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC).

REC director of policy Tom Hadley said: “More people are entering employment, but it doesn’t make up for the shortfall of candidates for many roles. As a result, employers are increasing starting pay to draw candidates away from current roles into new positions.

“Growth in pay for temporary roles especially is accelerating. In hospitality, demand for temporary staff is really high, but businesses have had fewer applicants from the EU since the Brexit vote.”