29th March 2008
Boost For Retail Jobs

ASDA the supermarket chain has announced plans to create 1000 jobs in Scotland through various business expansions over the coming year.

The Scottish jobs will be created through the opening of various new outlets including 2 new superstores.

The new store programme, which begins with the opening of the Dalgety Bay store in Fife in August.

Chief financial officer Judith McKenna said: "This major investment demonstrates our on-going commitment to bringing low prices and fantastic service to even more people across Scotland.

Expansion plans in Scotland for 2008 also include a new superstore in Stenhousemuir, extensions in Elgin, Kirkcaldy and Govan and a new Living outlet in East Kilbride. The outlets sell George branded clothing, as well as homeware and electrical goods.

18th March 2008
Scottish job market 'remains firm'

The Scottish job market 'remains firm' despite a four-year low according to the latest snapshot from the Bank of Scotland.

But, despite this deceleration, the tartan job market has continued to outstrip the UK-wide rate of expansion over the last three months.

Martin Ellis, a leading Scottish Economist , said: "It is not surprising that Scottish labour market conditions continued to ease in February given the anticipated moderation in Scottish economic growth this year.

"Nonetheless, with Scotland posting a stronger expansion of demand for permanent staff than that recorded across the UK overall for the first time in five months and temp billings in Scotland increasing at its sharpest pace for three months, the outlook for the Scottish jobs market remains firm."

14th January 2008
Unemployment Hits Record Low

Unemployment in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since records began in December 1974.

The number of people out of work in Scotland dropped to the lowest level in 33 years, slipping to around 69,000 in January – the lowest since records began in December 1974.

Total employment in Scotland now stands at just over 2.5 million – down 5,000 over the three months to December, but a rise of 19,000 compared with a year earlier.


Iain McMillan, director of CBI Scotland, said: "These figures are very good news, particularly bearing in mind that a lack of confidence is building about the state of the global economy.

"What these figures show, at least up until now, is that Scotland's economy has been relatively unaffected by the scare linked to the global situation."

11th January 2008
SPORTY GLASGOW NETS JOBS

Glasgow is expected to net up to 100 jobs with the relocation of sport-scotland from Edinburgh to the city, it emerged today.

Scotlands national sports agency staff will eventually be headquartered in the new National Indoor Arena in the East of the city.

This move to Glasgow is expected to streamline the operation which has an ultimate goal of developing world class athletes and in addition making sure the Commonwealth games of 2012 ,which is to be staged in Glasgow is a success.

Although the HQ will be in Glasgow, there will be a decentralisation of the organisation with hubs in Stirling, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Between 80-100 staff will move to Glasgow, with 35 in Edinburgh, 55 in Stirling and up to 10 in Aberdeen.

13th December 2007
Unemployment Down In Scotland

Unemployment in Scotland is now at it's lowest in for 32 years.

The total for the three months to October was 123,000, down by 6,000 over the quarter .
The Scottish unemployment rate stands ataround 4.6 per cent, below the UK average of rate of 5.3 per cent.

The number of people in employment, at 2.549 million according to the Labour Force Survey, was 2,000 up over the quarter to October and up 63,000 up on this time last year.

Scotland Office minister David Cairns said: "The figures show the Scottish labour market continues to perform robustly and that UK government policy is helping communities and individuals in Scotland by continuing to create opportunity and provide prosperity."