The latest results from the 2010 Scottish Employers Skill Survey are now available. The survey asked 6,001 employers in Scotland questions about a wide range of skills-related topics including recruitment and vacancies, skill shortages, skill gaps and training.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/03104018/1
Thursday, 24 March 2011
Thursday, 17 March 2011
West Lothian has highest fall in unemployment rate
A new economic report has revealed that West Lothian has the highest fall in unemployment figures of any local authority in Scotland.
The report, produced by Mackay Consultants, shows that West Lothian's rate of unemployment fell by 12.4% between January 2010 and January 2011. This is a particularly impressive achievement for the area, as unemployment across Scotland rose over this period by an average of 0.9%.
The report revealed rising levels of unemployment in 21 of Scotland's 32 local authorities over the period and next best fall in unemployment was achieved in Dumfries & Galloway with a fall of 7.6%.
West Lothian's unemployment rate is currently 4.0% (4,569 people). West Lothian’s rate has recently fallen below the Scottish average (4.3%) although it is still slightly above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate.
Percentage Change in Unemployment, January 2010 - January 2011 by local authority:
West Lothian 12.4% decrease
Dumfries and Galloway 7.6% decrease
Na h-Eileanan Siar 5.0% decrease
South Lanarkshire 4.9% decrease
Edinburgh 3.7% decrease
East Renfrewshire 3.4% decrease
East Dunbartonshire 2.8% decrease
North Lanarkshire 2.4% decrease
South Ayrshire 2.4% decrease
North Ayrshire 2.2% decrease
Inverclyde 1.2% decrease
Scotland 0.9% increase
Midlothian 0.9% increase
Fife 1.2% increase
East Lothian 3.1% increase
Scottish Borders 3.1% increase
East Ayrshire 3.7% increase
West Dunbartonshire 3.7% increase
Renfrewshire 3.8% increase
Moray 4.0% increase
Glasgow 4.1% increase
Aberdeen 4.2% increase
Perth and Kinross 4.3% increase
Falkirk 4.9% increase
Angus 5.4% increase
Dundee 5.7% increase
Argyll and Bute 6.0% increase
Stirling 6.4% increase
Highland 6.7% increase
Clackmannanshire 7.7% increase
Aberdeenshire 10.0% increase
Shetland 17.3% increase
Orkney 22.8% increase
The report, produced by Mackay Consultants, shows that West Lothian's rate of unemployment fell by 12.4% between January 2010 and January 2011. This is a particularly impressive achievement for the area, as unemployment across Scotland rose over this period by an average of 0.9%.
The report revealed rising levels of unemployment in 21 of Scotland's 32 local authorities over the period and next best fall in unemployment was achieved in Dumfries & Galloway with a fall of 7.6%.
West Lothian's unemployment rate is currently 4.0% (4,569 people). West Lothian’s rate has recently fallen below the Scottish average (4.3%) although it is still slightly above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate.
Percentage Change in Unemployment, January 2010 - January 2011 by local authority:
West Lothian 12.4% decrease
Dumfries and Galloway 7.6% decrease
Na h-Eileanan Siar 5.0% decrease
South Lanarkshire 4.9% decrease
Edinburgh 3.7% decrease
East Renfrewshire 3.4% decrease
East Dunbartonshire 2.8% decrease
North Lanarkshire 2.4% decrease
South Ayrshire 2.4% decrease
North Ayrshire 2.2% decrease
Inverclyde 1.2% decrease
Scotland 0.9% increase
Midlothian 0.9% increase
Fife 1.2% increase
East Lothian 3.1% increase
Scottish Borders 3.1% increase
East Ayrshire 3.7% increase
West Dunbartonshire 3.7% increase
Renfrewshire 3.8% increase
Moray 4.0% increase
Glasgow 4.1% increase
Aberdeen 4.2% increase
Perth and Kinross 4.3% increase
Falkirk 4.9% increase
Angus 5.4% increase
Dundee 5.7% increase
Argyll and Bute 6.0% increase
Stirling 6.4% increase
Highland 6.7% increase
Clackmannanshire 7.7% increase
Aberdeenshire 10.0% increase
Shetland 17.3% increase
Orkney 22.8% increase
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released
The latest employment and and Jobcentre vacacies have been released. Notably, West Lothian’s unemployment rate continues to remain below the Scottish average.
- The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for February is 4,782. This is an increase of 213 on the previous month.
- West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.2% is below the Scottish (4.3%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
- Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for February is 1,455. This a rise of 125 on last month.
- There were 857 notified jobcentre vacancies in February - a net decrease of 66 from January 2011.
- The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 6.5:1, Great Britain is 5.0:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 24.9:1 (25 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Swinney announces £10m jobs fund
Up to 5,000 people will be helped into work in Scotland thanks to a new £10 million funding package, Finance Secretary John Swinney announced.
http://breakingnews.heraldscotland.com/breaking-news/?mode=article&site=hs&id=N0096991298380201859A
http://breakingnews.heraldscotland.com/breaking-news/?mode=article&site=hs&id=N0096991298380201859A
Oatridge "Excellence" applauded by Inspectors
HM Inspectorate of Education has has praised Oatridge College in West Lothian for preparing students for the world of work.
Programmes in Environmental and Countryside Management and in Equine Studies are singled out in a glowing report, following an in-depth external review at the specialist land-based college last November. It builds on findings three years ago when Inspectors named five examples of "innovative and sector-leading practice."
In the 20-page report the Inspectors express their confidence that at Oatridge: "Learners are progressing well and achieving relevant, high quality outcomes.
"The strong focus on providing a service which is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence is inspiring to staff and learners and contributes to an ethos of constant improvement."
Oatridge Principal David James says: "This is an excellent report. We are delighted that our efforts to become a centre of excellence for landbased education, training and enterprise have again been recognised. It is a tribute to our dedicated and highly skilled staff, the quality of our students and the programmes, systems and resources we have been able to put in place to help all of our learners reach their full potential."
For more information visit http://www.oatridge.ac.uk/
Programmes in Environmental and Countryside Management and in Equine Studies are singled out in a glowing report, following an in-depth external review at the specialist land-based college last November. It builds on findings three years ago when Inspectors named five examples of "innovative and sector-leading practice."
In the 20-page report the Inspectors express their confidence that at Oatridge: "Learners are progressing well and achieving relevant, high quality outcomes.
"The strong focus on providing a service which is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence is inspiring to staff and learners and contributes to an ethos of constant improvement."
Oatridge Principal David James says: "This is an excellent report. We are delighted that our efforts to become a centre of excellence for landbased education, training and enterprise have again been recognised. It is a tribute to our dedicated and highly skilled staff, the quality of our students and the programmes, systems and resources we have been able to put in place to help all of our learners reach their full potential."
For more information visit http://www.oatridge.ac.uk/
West Lothian College offers new route to degree
West Lothian College are offering students a new route to university through an articulation agreement recently signed with Edinburgh Napier University.
The agreement will help students studying HND Computing-Technical Support at the College join the 3rd year of a BSc (Hons) in Network Computing from August this year, following the successful completion of the course. Students studying the HND in Computing-Technical Support this year have been able to apply through UCAS.
ELRAH (Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders Regional Articulation Hub) liaised with both partners (university and college) to agree on the articulation agreement. The agreement was signed by Mhairi Laughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College and Bob Rankin, Depute Dean of Faculty at Edinburgh Napier University.
West Lothian College has good relationships with numerous universities including, Edinburgh Napier, Heriot Watt, Stirling, Queen Margaret University and the Open University.
ELRAH are working with the College to secure more formal agreements with the universities.
Mairi Taggart, ELRAH Articulation Support Advisor at West Lothian College commented: "ELRAH provides support for students who are applying for places at university through our articulation routes. West Lothian College have a successful ongoing relationship with Edinburgh Napier University and we are building on existing articulation agreements that are already in place for other courses. We hope to increase the articulation agreements between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University in the future."
Colin Miller, Head of Skills Centre at West Lothian College commented: "We are delighted with this articulation agreement in computing which follows on from a recent agreement for engineering courses. These agreements endorse the work carried out by ELRAH and the Institutions in providing advancement opportunities for our learners, to Higher Education.
"These guaranteed places at University for successful students not only enhance their motivation, but develops confidence in their work, and in their future opportunities."
The HND Computing-Technical Support course is designed for those who wish to follow a career in computing or information technology. Students will study subjects such as computer hardware, installation and maintenance, building local area networks and project management.
David Wallace (45) from Livingston, who is a student on the HND Computing - Technical Support course said: "This has come at a great time for me as I have applied for the BSc (Hons) Network Computing course at Edinburgh Napier University. With university places becoming so competitive, the articulation agreement between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University has increased my chances of securing a place."
For further information on the HND Computing Technical-Support course, or any other courses available for study at West Lothian College, please call 01506 427605 or visit http://www.west-lothian.ac.uk/.
The agreement will help students studying HND Computing-Technical Support at the College join the 3rd year of a BSc (Hons) in Network Computing from August this year, following the successful completion of the course. Students studying the HND in Computing-Technical Support this year have been able to apply through UCAS.
ELRAH (Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders Regional Articulation Hub) liaised with both partners (university and college) to agree on the articulation agreement. The agreement was signed by Mhairi Laughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College and Bob Rankin, Depute Dean of Faculty at Edinburgh Napier University.
West Lothian College has good relationships with numerous universities including, Edinburgh Napier, Heriot Watt, Stirling, Queen Margaret University and the Open University.
ELRAH are working with the College to secure more formal agreements with the universities.
Mairi Taggart, ELRAH Articulation Support Advisor at West Lothian College commented: "ELRAH provides support for students who are applying for places at university through our articulation routes. West Lothian College have a successful ongoing relationship with Edinburgh Napier University and we are building on existing articulation agreements that are already in place for other courses. We hope to increase the articulation agreements between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University in the future."
Colin Miller, Head of Skills Centre at West Lothian College commented: "We are delighted with this articulation agreement in computing which follows on from a recent agreement for engineering courses. These agreements endorse the work carried out by ELRAH and the Institutions in providing advancement opportunities for our learners, to Higher Education.
"These guaranteed places at University for successful students not only enhance their motivation, but develops confidence in their work, and in their future opportunities."
The HND Computing-Technical Support course is designed for those who wish to follow a career in computing or information technology. Students will study subjects such as computer hardware, installation and maintenance, building local area networks and project management.
David Wallace (45) from Livingston, who is a student on the HND Computing - Technical Support course said: "This has come at a great time for me as I have applied for the BSc (Hons) Network Computing course at Edinburgh Napier University. With university places becoming so competitive, the articulation agreement between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University has increased my chances of securing a place."
For further information on the HND Computing Technical-Support course, or any other courses available for study at West Lothian College, please call 01506 427605 or visit http://www.west-lothian.ac.uk/.
Council welcomes £1.5 million European Funding
European funding totalling £1.5 million which will benefit local businesses, people starting new businesses and young people seeking work has been officially accepted by West Lothian Council.
The funds will be invested in supporting these target groups through two key partnership projects:
The Business Gateway Plus European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project aims to extend the scope of Business Gateway's existing services and respond to the current economic climate by supporting more companies and potential enterprises. The funding of £424,000 will deliver:
West Lothian's executive councillor for Development and Transport, Martyn Day commented:
"West Lothian Council warmly welcomes this significant funding package, which provides a boost for local businesses, entrepreneurs and young people."
The funds will be invested in supporting these target groups through two key partnership projects:
The Business Gateway Plus European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project aims to extend the scope of Business Gateway's existing services and respond to the current economic climate by supporting more companies and potential enterprises. The funding of £424,000 will deliver:
* Specialist e-business advice to assist existing enterprises maximise the potential of their websites, e-marketing and generate additional sales.
* Growth consultancy support for companies unable to access Scottish Enterprise account management.
* Entrepreneurship targeting underrepresented groups.
West Lothian's executive councillor for Development and Transport, Martyn Day commented:
"West Lothian Council warmly welcomes this significant funding package, which provides a boost for local businesses, entrepreneurs and young people."
BUSINESS INVESTMENT SHOWS JOB GAINS IN WEST LOTHIAN
West Lothian, at the hub of the Scottish economy in Central Scotland, has welcomed the news that, despite the recession, the latest employment figures show that the area has gained 1,000 new jobs.
The figures come from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES), released 8 Dec 2010. http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/articles/526.aspx
According to these stats, West Lothian jobs in 2009 were at 80,321 compared to 79,302 in 2008.
The area has seen a number of positive developments in recent months. At Starlaw Park, Bathgate Glen Turner opened its new whisky distillery, and specialist ink firm Paragon Inks began the construction of a brand new, bespoke £3.5million 23,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which will allow them to triple their present production.
On Livingston’s Alba Campus, Glenmorangie opened their new whisky bottling plant, and biotechnology company Quintiles saw the opening of their new laboratory.
Strengthening the area’s retail sector, the new Sainsbury’s store opened in Almondvale, Livingston in time for Christmas trading, and Dobbies began work on their new £8million garden centre at Houston Mains, on track to open this Spring. Site work is also underway for the eagerly awaited Primark store in Livingston’s Centre.
Other firms growing in the area include Schuh who have announced significant expansion plans, and satellite broadcaster BSkyB - which employs over 4,000 people in Livingston - announced that it has passed its target of reaching 10 million customers. Fibre Photonics, Helia Photonics, AB Simulation and Balfour Beatty Rail Track are also finding a supportive environment for expansion in West Lothian.
West Lothian welcomed new business arrivals Epistemy and Optoscribe - winners of the Innovation Challenge -– who moved into the Alba Innovation Centre. Other new arrivals include Nisa Today, Planet of UK and Batt Cables Plc.
A local infrastructure development of significance across Central Scotland was the opening of the new Bathgate – Airdrie rail link in December. The new route allows passengers to travel direct to West Lothian from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Access to West Lothian from Glasgow and West Central Scotland will be further enhanced by the upgrading of a six-mile stretch of the A8 in North Lanarkshire to motorway status. Ministers have given the go-ahead and it is hoped tenders for the work will be approved in 2011/2012.
The figures come from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES), released 8 Dec 2010. http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/articles/526.aspx
According to these stats, West Lothian jobs in 2009 were at 80,321 compared to 79,302 in 2008.
The area has seen a number of positive developments in recent months. At Starlaw Park, Bathgate Glen Turner opened its new whisky distillery, and specialist ink firm Paragon Inks began the construction of a brand new, bespoke £3.5million 23,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which will allow them to triple their present production.
On Livingston’s Alba Campus, Glenmorangie opened their new whisky bottling plant, and biotechnology company Quintiles saw the opening of their new laboratory.
Strengthening the area’s retail sector, the new Sainsbury’s store opened in Almondvale, Livingston in time for Christmas trading, and Dobbies began work on their new £8million garden centre at Houston Mains, on track to open this Spring. Site work is also underway for the eagerly awaited Primark store in Livingston’s Centre.
Other firms growing in the area include Schuh who have announced significant expansion plans, and satellite broadcaster BSkyB - which employs over 4,000 people in Livingston - announced that it has passed its target of reaching 10 million customers. Fibre Photonics, Helia Photonics, AB Simulation and Balfour Beatty Rail Track are also finding a supportive environment for expansion in West Lothian.
West Lothian welcomed new business arrivals Epistemy and Optoscribe - winners of the Innovation Challenge -– who moved into the Alba Innovation Centre. Other new arrivals include Nisa Today, Planet of UK and Batt Cables Plc.
A local infrastructure development of significance across Central Scotland was the opening of the new Bathgate – Airdrie rail link in December. The new route allows passengers to travel direct to West Lothian from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Access to West Lothian from Glasgow and West Central Scotland will be further enhanced by the upgrading of a six-mile stretch of the A8 in North Lanarkshire to motorway status. Ministers have given the go-ahead and it is hoped tenders for the work will be approved in 2011/2012.
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