Professional contracting jobs availability in Scotland falls 3 per cent year-on-year

The data, provided by recruitment software company, Innovantage, revealed that despite an overall slowdown, some sectors in the region did report growth, in particular legal and marketing, which expanded by 38 per cent and 25 per cent respectively.

Commenting on the data, Diane Turnbull, Membership Relations Manager for Scotland, said: “A number of external factors, primarily falling oil prices, continue to present challenges for the region and are unsurprisingly taking a toll on hiring sentiment. However despite tough market conditions demand for professional contractors in Scotland sits considerably above the national average of -15 per cent.”

“The legal profession experienced an uplift of 38 per cent year on year in the professional contracting sector. This growth is likely to continue as firms grapple with the rising costs associated with operating in the capital and look for more financially viable solutions, such as outsourcing both complex legal work and administrative roles. Demand for professional contractors also remains particularly strong in the marketing sector, the biggest of Scotland’s six creative industries, with the availability of roles rising 25 per cent year on year.”