MORE than half of businesses in Scotland expect to increase their workforce this year, according to research by the CBI and Accenture.
The Employment Trends Survey found 60 per cent of the companies it questioned with operations in Scotland forecast a rise in staff numbers across 2015.
Within that 41 per cent said they will create permanent posts with 34 per cent expecting to take on temporary workers.
Alongside that 51 per cent intend to increase the number of apprentices they take on with 47 per cent saying they would employ more graduates.
There was welcome news for younger workers with 93 per cent of the companies suggesting there would be opportunities for those aged between 16 and 24.
Hugh Aitken, director of CBI Scotland, said: "Firms in Scotland are gearing up for a positive 2015 with over half planning to create jobs, most of which will be permanent. "Young people should find more chances to get a foot on the career ladder this year, with many firms looking to boost their intake of graduates and apprentices.
""We want to see everyone enjoy the rewards of the recovery and Scotland has a big role in driving the UK economy forward. Growth should work for everyone, and skills are the key route to ensuring that this happens through improved productivity and pay."
The research covered 90 companies with operations in Scotland.
Bill McDonald, managing director of Accenture Scotland, said: "It's important that growth works for everyone, which means regions throughout the UK benefitting from the economic recovery and employers opening up different and more inclusive routes into their workforces. It's very encouraging to hear that businesses in Scotland are planning to build their workforces in the future by taking on more young people, including apprentices.
"It is also good to note that, within this mix, companies are recognising that they can enhance their competitiveness by harnessing the digital capabilities of these young people."
Separately, the EY Item Club's forecast for financial services predicted a rise in business lending through 2015.
The Item Club said growth in net lending will be slow over the remainder of the year but improving conditions should see an extra £66bn lent to UK companies by 2018.
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