A record two in three job seekers are considering moving to Scotland for work, according to the latest survey from TalentScotland.
Of those surveyed from America, Africa, the European Union and Asia, 68 per cent would consider relocating to Scotland, an increase of 19% since 2008. Scotland also remains the top UK destination for those seeking a career move.
The annual survey was commissioned by TalentScotland, a one stop portal which promotes living, working and studying in Scotland. Services include advertising job vacancies in energy, financial services, electronics and life sciences sectors, as well as visa, immigration and relocation advice and a graduate placement programme.
Hazel Sinclair, Head of TalentScotland said:
“This is our third survey and it is great to see that year on year Scotland is leading the way in the UK as the destination of choice for job seekers.
“This year’s findings are the most promising yet, with 68 per cent of respondents favouring Scotland over other parts of the UK.
“Scotland continues to appeal to those looking to relocate but the factors jobseekers find important are shifting. Education, healthcare, security and culture are coming through stronger in determining relocation decisions which strike the right work/life balance.”
Education, healthcare, security and culture are the most important factors for jobseekers. 83 per cent of respondents believe security and safety to be the most important life related elements, followed closely by healthcare (81 per cent), career development (80 per cent) and education (71 per cent).
Respondents’ opinions to sector interest showed an increase towards life sciences, with one in three most interested in the sector, an increase of 11 per cent over the last two years.
The survey also identified a demographic shift as more 45-64 year olds look towards Scotland as a location for work. Of those respondents in that age category, 77 per cent had a willingness to relocate to Scotland.
