Why not work in... Edinburgh?
Tim Cook, managing director of Hays Construction & Property, reports on the latest employment trends in Edinburgh.
Overview
The construction and property market in Edinburgh remains buoyant in both the public and private sectors due to a number of large-scale projects. High levels of demand are expected to continue with many of the assignments lasting for at least the next 10 years and a number of new projects in the pipeline.
Employers in the region have reacted to this by focusing on methods to increase staff retention rates, such as providing excellent working conditions, increasing salaries and offering greater career development opportunities. Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans are attracted to the culture and lifestyle of the city, which supports such a booming industry in a time of skills shortages.
What’s going on?
There are three key projects currently taking place in Edinburgh. The New Queen Margaret College development is costing around £77 million and is due for completion in 2009. Quartermile is a £400 million development of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary into a multi-purpose development including flats, shops, hotels and restaurants, which is due to be completed by 2012.
The third key project is the Edinburgh Waterfront development. This 15-year development commenced in 2004 and comprises numerous residential and commercial projects. Upon completion in 2020, Edinburgh will be able to boast a completely new waterfront, following the combined development of Granton Harbour, Granton Gas Works, Western Harbour and Leith Docks.
In addition, the Scottish parliament recently voted in favour of the Edinburgh Tram Bill which will create a large number of jobs. The enhanced infrastructure is not only positive in terms of job creation, but two new tram lines also enhance the accessibility for candidates looking to relocate to the city.
Good for…
The projects have affected employment levels across all disciplines from conception and design to construction and maintenance. Equally, the maintenance market is expected to grow as the built environment grows. Currently requirements for semi-skilled operatives are particularly high and there are numerous opportunities for qualified tradesmen.
There is also an extreme need for good commercial staff, such as commercial managers, QS and estimators. Engineers will also find no shortage of opportunities over the coming years; in particular those with experience in traffic and transportation will be highly sought after.
Graduates in the area are also in high demand as employers have begun to recognise that investment is key and that training and developing qualified individuals may be one solution to combat the skills shortage. According to Akash Marwaha, regional manager of Hays Construction & Property, “Employers are now showing that they are more than willing to give graduates the financial support, training and work experience that they need to start their career in the industry.”
Edinburgh is very popular with Australians, South Africans and New Zealanders who use it as both a temporary and permanent base in the UK. Many national and international construction and property companies have a presence in the local area, which allows employees to combine unlimited career potential with the chance to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of a buzzing city.
Bad for…
Employers who are unwilling to invest in and support junior employees may struggle to find suitable candidates. Due to the skills shortage, candidates at all levels in Edinburgh can be quite particular about their choice of employer. It is no longer the case that candidates are attracted by salary alone; employers should recognise this and focus benefits such as work-life balance and training opportunities. This is particularly true for graduates, although more senior employees may also be enticed by extra holiday or flexible working practices.
How much would I get paid?
Salaries in Scotland are highly competitive and relocating to cities in Scotland, such as Edinburgh, can mean an excellent standard of living while maintaining a high salary package. According to Marwaha, “We have recently assisted two experienced commercial managers relocate to the Edinburgh area; both achieved salary packages in excess of £50,000 and were assisted with relocation costs.”
How far would my salary go?
- Price of a pint of Tennants: £2.10
- Dinner for two at Ducks at Le Marche Noir (wine not included): £44
- “Platinum” season ticket at Hearts: £425
- Average price of a house: £153,596
For further information, contact edinburgh.cp@hays.com or telephone 0131 226 6595.
