THERE has been a sharp rise in the number of private sector companies planning to recruit new staff, writes Scott Wright.

Nearly four out of ten firms (38%) in Scotland surveyed by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) said they expect to add to their workforce in the next 12 months, compared with 27% six months ago.

The survey, supported by Skills Development Scotland, saw firms highlight the importance of fresh talent, with 61% agreeing "young people bring ICT capabilities" to their organisation.

But is also revealed that companies find recruitment in difficult for certain roles.

Two-thirds of employers said they would like to see greater emphasis placed on science, technology, engineering and maths in the education and training system.