BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 94

Worker Shortages

In Wave 94, businesses were asked whether they are currently experiencing a shortage of workers.

Figure 1:  In Wave 94, an estimated 25.4% of businesses reported experiencing a shortage of workers – down from 31.5% in the previous wave 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 94.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 94 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 1 data see table ‘WorkerShortage’.

In Wave 94, the industry sectors with the highest rates of worker shortages were Construction (38.7%) and Accommodation & Food Services (37.9%).

The BICS also asks businesses that are experiencing a shortage of workers, about how their businesses has 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 94, 58.8% 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 (34.9%) and had to recruit temporary workers (18.1%).

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 94 - 16 October to 29 October 2023.

Source: BICS Weighted Scotland Estimates - Wave 94 from the Scottish Government. For Figure 2 data see table ‘WorkerShortageAffected’.