After last week's optimistic report from Morgan McKinley that financial services recruitment in London is beginning to emerge from the downturn, research from Talent Scotland has revealed that Scotland is the top UK destination for job seekers in the financial sector. As reported in Recruiter magazine, the survey of 1,600 candidates from across the globe revealed that of the 299 respondents, 49% selected Scotland as their first choice destination for a job in financial services, with 46% choosing England. According to Talent Scotland, "Scotland's financial services industry currently employs around 91,000 directly and another 70,000 in related jobs."
Financial recruitment giant Robert Half issued a top 5 of hot jobs in its latest salary guide last week. The top 5 most in demand jobs for accountants are: Financial Accountant; Financial Planning and Analysis Manager; Assistant Accountant; Cost Accountant/Financial Analyst; Compliance/Risk Manager. Accountants will be in demand as we emerge from recession and companies look to expert professionals to control costs, manage cash flows and plan for the future.
Last week's unexpected drop in the official unemployment figures was treated with caution by experts. Dr. John Philpott, the Chief Economic Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, commented that "...With a weak economic recovery set to result in further job losses in the coming months it is highly likely that the unemployment situation will get worse before it starts to get significantly better." Furthermore, the Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce exhorted the government to do more to support business' ability to increase full time employment opportunities.
