BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 85

This is the 68th publication of weighted Scotland estimates from the ONS’ BICS. These are experimental statistics, which means that they are still in development. All results are provisional and subject to revision.

Latest main findings for businesses with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland

• in the period 12 June to 25 June 2023 (Wave 85), 36.4% of businesses reported experiencing a shortage of workers - rising to 44.2% in the Construction industry sector
• in Wave 85, 58.4% of businesses reported that the shortage of workers has resulted in employees working increased hours
• the main concerns for businesses for July 2023 were energy prices (22.5%) and inflation of goods and services prices (15.6%)
• of businesses currently trading that have exported in the last 12 months, 22.9% reported exporting less in May 2023 compared to May 2022, and 15.2% reported exporting more
• the exporting and importing challenges that were most commonly reported to have increased in May 2023 were changes in transportation costs, changes in exchange rates and additional paperwork– this was the case for both exporting and importing