Key Findings from the 2024 Report
Ageing Workforce and Skills Shortages The report highlights a predominantly ageing workforce, with almost one-third of staff aged between 55 and 64. There are acute gaps in social care, social work, and various professional roles, including trading standards officers, planners, and environmental health officers.
Recruitment and Retention Challenges Many councils struggle with recruitment due to competition from other sectors, pay-related issues, and local labour market conditions. Nearly 97% of councils reported challenges filling critical roles such as social workers and social care positions.
Barriers to Workforce Development A lack of sustainable funding, short-term financial resources, and limited local skills availability were among the most common barriers identified by councils in addressing workforce gaps.
Strategies and Recommendations for Workforce Improvement
Collaborative Approaches The report calls for increased collaboration between councils, higher education providers, and the Scottish Government to develop sustainable workforce solutions, such as new training pathways for in-demand roles like planners and social workers.
Innovative Recruitment Campaigns Examples from councils, such as Inverclyde’s Workforce Refresh Programme and North Lanarkshire’s Summer Student Placement, showcase successful local initiatives to attract younger workers and fill critical roles.
Improved Data Collection and Analysis Councils are encouraged to improve data reporting and analysis to understand workforce gaps and target interventions better and effectively.
Explore the Full 2024 Report
Dive deeper into the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland’s local government workforce. The report includes case studies, survey results, and detailed recommendations for building a sustainable and diverse workforce for the future.
Read the report: