The recruitment profession has a key role to play in supporting the growth of the Scottish economy, according to a report from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.

The report, ‘Professional Recruitment: The Beating Heart of the Scottish Economy’, discusses the future of work in Scotland and features insight from recruitment leaders in Scotland. APSCo’s research also explores how apprenticeships, self-employment, and the impact of Brexit will influence recruitment and how the role of the sector must be recognised as a driver of productivity.

APSCo’s report also makes a number of recommendations including that the government “must increase access to existing apprenticeship funds for Scottish business and continue to innovate in the development of apprenticeship programmes.”

They also recommend that government support the extension of the apprenticeship scheme to non- employed workers and agency workers, as well as continue to support SMEs through legislation and incentives.

“There are many areas in which professional recruitment firms are able to aid with shaping Government policy given their significant understanding and data surrounding skills demand. The role of the recruitment sector in matching skills is particularly of note, and should be recognised as a driver of productivity,” the report stated.

The report also touched on how the growth of the recruitment industry in Scotland can support the growth of skilled roles in the Scottish economy and access for school leavers.

“Recruitment is a rewarding career for highly qualified graduates,” the report stated. “In addition, given the focus on training including innovative use of the Apprenticeship Levy where possible, the industry is an attractive career option for school leavers.”

Scotland’s unemployment rate stood at 4.3% for the three-month period ended in May 2018, according to data from the Office of National Statistics.