Time and again, the results of employer surveys (or employers’ groups) state that young people are not fully prepared for the world of work. However, it can be difficult to unpick what employers want from school and college leavers – if, indeed, there is a consensus among employers about what preparedness for work means. 

Rather than commissioning more quantitative research into employers’ views on school and college leavers, SQA decided to take a more focused look at the issues that employers face when recruiting these groups

To reaad the full survey click HERE

Commenting on the release of official data which shows that the UK economy contracted by 0.2% in the first three months of 2012, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Clearly it is disappointing that the UK economy has slipped back into recession over the past six months.  It is fairly common following a deep and lengthy recession, such as that experienced in 2008-09, that the economy suffers a further dip before returning on a path to growth and that may be what is happening here.

Chamber welcomes Fergus Ewing MSP, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism to Dumfries.

Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing paid a visit to Dumfries to meet up with local businesses to discuss current Government initiatives to support businesses.  In an informal meeting with business leaders representing a cross section of local businesses the Minister discussed everything from bank lending to training, competition, and energy supply.

2012: SOME SIGNS OF A RECOVERY BUT DOWNSIDE THREATS REMAIN

Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) have today (Thursday) released their Business Survey results for the first quarter of 2012.  The survey, conducted in conjunction with the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, reports a slight improvement in activity in the Scottish economy in the first quarter of 2012, but widespread difficulties remain for Scottish businesses.