BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 101

Worker Shortages

In Wave 101, businesses were asked whether they are currently experiencing a shortage of workers.

Figure 1:  In Wave 101, an estimated 20.9% of businesses reported experiencing a shortage of workers – down from 25.3% in Wave 99 and the lowest percentage reported since the question was introduced in October 2021.

Estimated share of businesses experiencing a shortage of workers. Businesses not permanently stopped trading, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Applicable waves 42 to 101.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 101 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 1 data see table ‘WorkerShortage’.

In Wave 101, the industry sector with the highest rate of worker shortages was Construction (29.6%).

The BICS also asks businesses that are experiencing a shortage of workers, about how their businesses have been affected by this – the specific question asked is shown below.

Worker Shortage question: How has the shortage of workers affected your business?

• employees working increased hours
• had to pause trading entirely
• had to pause trading some of the business
• had to recruit temporary workers
• unable to meet demands
• other
• not sure
• business has not been affected

Figure 2:  In Wave 101, 59.5% of businesses reported that the shortage of workers has resulted in employees working increased hours. The next most commonly reported impacts were that businesses were unable to meet demands (40.0%) and had to recruit temporary workers (33.0%).

Estimated share of businesses by impact of worker shortage. Businesses not permanently stopped trading and experiencing a worker shortage, with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland. Wave 101 - 22 January to 4 February 2024.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 101 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see table ‘WorkerShortageAffected’.