Temporary vacancies soar 38 per cent year-on-year in Scotland

The data, provided by recruitment software company, Innovantage, revealed that despite a slight dip in permanent vacancies, temporary vacancies saw substantial increases across a number of sectors. The engineering sector saw an uplift of 20 per cent year on year, while demand for professionals in the technology sector rose by 15 per cent.

Diane Turnbull, Membership Relations Manager for Scotland at APSCo, said: “Despite slight dips in job availability across the permanent markets, demand for temporary professionals remains incredibly strong, soaring 38 per cent year on year to June. It is clear that the heightened levels of uncertainty experienced in the lead up to the EU referendum weighed down on both regional and national hiring sentiment as employers assume a more tentative approach towards permanent hiring.”

“Demand for professional contractors in the engineering and manufacturing sector grew by 20 per cent year on year to June, a rise which is testament to the strength of the sector in the region.

“Demand for professional talent in the sector, has risen in line with Bank of Scotland and Markit’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which climbed to 50.5 in June from 49.9 the previous month.

“According to Markit’s report, June marked the fourth consecutive month of increased new business orders. There was also an increased demand for professionals in the technology sector, with major digital companies opting to launch operations within one of the region’s many growing tech clusters.”