More than two thirds of Scots say recession has damaged their careers

By DOMINIC JEFF
Published on 15/10/2012 00:00

More than two thirds of Scottish workers think that the recession has held back their careers, with many feeling they have moved backwards in the past two years.

A survey by Change Recruitment Group published today found that 69 per cent of Scots think that their career would have progressed further had the UK not gone into recession.

A total of 35 per cent of respondents north of the Border said that their career had either stood still or retreated since 2010.

The frustrations of a stalled economy meant two thirds of workers have been job hunting recently, with a third of those looking for a move doing so in order to get a more senior role. Mark McFall, Change Recruitment’s domestic managing director, said businesses should try to maintain their investment in people.

He said: “There is no denying that the working environment in Scotland has been tough over the last few years, with some sectors suffering more than others. A number of organisations have seen restructuring and even downsizing, meaning that there are potentially fewer opportunities for people to be promoted.

“However, career development is an essential tool in retaining staff. Investment in training and development goes a long way to creating a culture where staff feel they are developing and working towards a goal.”