Annual survey reveals employment prospects for financial services sector in Scotland

More than half (52%) of Scotland's financial service firms responding to an annual labour market survey intend to increase headcount in 2010 by up to 10%.

The 68 financial institutions, employing over 17,000 people in Scotland between them, contributed to research during November & December 2009, designed to gauge perceptions amongst some of the most influential employers in the sector.  The majority of firms (73%) described their company’s level of business confidence for 2010 as 'optimistic' or 'very optimistic' whilst 24% had neutral feelings about the future.  Importantly, just 3% were pessimistic (compared with 19% pre-credit crunch).

The annual study, which has run since the Millennium, was conducted by Joslin Rowe Scotland, the financial services recruitment specialist and supported by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Financial Enterprise.

The main findings of the Joslin Rowe Review are:

• 43% of responding firms cut staff in 2009 and 10% predict to make further cuts in 2010 due to offshoring and outsourcing, as well as redundancies. Up to 10% of staff are expected to be effected. Directors are most vulnerable.
• January 2009 was the worst month for financial services recruitment - with job vacancies an incredible 93% down on 2008 levels*
• Companies increased their flexible working provision to cut wage costs. The number of companies with a third of staff working shorter working weeks/days has risen from 11% to 17%
• 35% of respondents experienced difficulties enticing staff from competitors as the labour market reduced substantially in 2009 through lack of confidence
• 13% felt their employer brand had suffered since the credit crunch, making it harder to attract staff.
• Nearly half our responding companies (47%) said their current staffing levels are too lean to manage a significant upturn in 2010
• 52% of firms will be increasing permanent headcount (mostly fund managers but also investment and retail banks)
• The average salary rise in Scotland's financial services industry is forecast to be 1-2% in 2010 - after a year of no increases for most in 2009

Margaret Dyer, Director, Joslin Rowe Scotland points out: "As recruiters for the financial services sector, we received a first hand insight into the fall out that followed first the credit crunch, and then the official recession. At one point, as our research reveals, job volumes in Scotland's financial services sector were an incredible 93% down on 2008 levels. Whilst there's no doubt that there are now far more job opportunities in the market as we head into 2010, job seeker movement amongst talented professionals remains muted. People are adopting a 'better the devil you know' career plan through fear of a double dip recession. The recession hangover means even firms with strong employer brands are struggling to entice the best recruits from their competitors."

Jim Watson, senior director, Financial Services, Scottish Enterprise says: “Regardless of the short

term impacts of the current economic conditions, the industry requires a dynamic and skilled workforce that can support the transition currently taking place within the industry and ensure Scotland is well placed to capitalise on new opportunities when they emerge. The newly formed financial services Skills Gateway is an excellent example of the type of initiative that we all need to support if we are to develop this highly skilled workforce for the future. This type of collaborative approach is vital if we are to ensure Scotland can retain its international stature as one of the leading financial services locations in the world."