BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 81

This is the 64th publication of weighted Scotland estimates from the ONS’ BICS. These are experimental statistics, which means that they are still in development. All results are provisional and subject to revision.

Latest main findings for businesses with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland

• in the period 17 April to 30 April 2023 (Wave 81), 38.2% of businesses reported experiencing a shortage of workers - rising to 50.3% in the Accommodation & Food Services industry sector
• in Wave 81, 56.7% of businesses reported that the shortage of workers has resulted in employees working increased hours
• the main concerns for businesses for May 2023 were energy prices (27.5%) and inflation of goods and services prices (21.7%)
• of businesses currently trading that have exported in the last 12 months, 16.9% reported exporting less in March 2023 compared to March 2022, and 15.8% reported exporting more
• the exporting and importing challenges that were most commonly reported to have increased in March 2023 were additional paperwork and changes in transportation costs– this was the case for both exporting and importing