Economic Research alert – July 2022

This paper provides an overview of research in the public domain with a focus on the priorities from the Scottish Enterprise Business Plan (jobs, net zero, place) – there is also a section on general business surveys.

The methodology consisted of desk research.

Jobs - Recruitment issues continue to be highlighted across the sectors but particularly in construction, manufacturing and hospitality. 95% of UK microworkers (people paid piece wages for doing short online tasks) are paid below the minimum wage. Net Zero - Research from EngineeringUK and Nesta suggests the UK could be facing a net zero skills shortage. There is little or no confidence in Scotland (or the UK) meeting its environmental targets, suggests the new Understanding Scotland survey. Place - The 'Gaelic Economy’ contributes £21.6million to Glasgow, as well as supporting 700 jobs within the education, creative industries and tourism. The Skye Business Housing Needs Study, shows that up to 1,700 job vacancies are currently unfilled because of the lack of accommodation. Other Business - Research into the recovery of the tourism sector shows that summer and forward bookings are down and almost 40% of businesses have reported a decrease in spending since May 2021. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the aftermath of Brexit and the soaring cost of energy and manufacturing materials have created a perfect storm that is hitting the bottom line of many middle market businesses suggests new research.

This paper makes no recommendations.