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Construction is the second most under-resourced sector in Scotland, a new survey has found. The sector was second only to IT in its shortage of skilled staff – both permanent and temporary.

The research from Bank of Scotland found that demand for permanent staff in all sectors continued to strengthen in June. The latest rise in permanent vacancies was the third highest in the three-and-a-half year history of the survey. BoS attributed this to rising levels of business activity at Scottish companies.

Demand for temporary staff also rose at a strong rate during the latest survey period. Growth of demand for short-term staff was attributed to increased workloads.

The availability of permanent staff fell in June, with more than a third of the 100 recruitment consultants surveyed by BoS reporting a decline. The number of temps available rose, however. The consultants surveyed suggested this was because more people were seeking flexible working arrangements.

Demand for staff - ranked by strength of demand in Scotland in June 2006

Permanent Staff

1 IT & Computing

2 Engineering & Construction

3 Executive & Professional

4 Hotel & Catering

5 Accounts & Financial

6 Nursing/Medical/Care

7 Secretarial & Clerical

8 Blue Collar

Temporary/Contract Staff

1 IT & Computing

2 Engineering & Construction

3 Nursing/Medical/Care

4 Secretarial & Clerical

5 Executive & Professional

6 Accounts & Financial

7 Hotel & Catering

8 Blue Collar

Source: Bank of Scotland