Workloads are declining but the outlook remains positive, according to the latest CECA Workload Trends Survey.

The survey's key findings include:

• In Q4, 13% of Scottish firms, reported an annual decline in workloads, down from +27% in Q3

• 16% of Scottish firms, on balance, reported that orders had increased in Q4, the highest in nearly four years

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• Workload expectations for the year ahead improved in Q4, with Scottish firms reporting the highest balance in 4 years (27%)

• Employment of skilled and other operatives fell for a third consecutive quarter in Q4

• 63% of firms, on balance cited issues with the supply of skilled operatives, the highest in nearly five years

CECA Scotland said that their members remain optimistic about future workloads meaning that despite the workloads decline, the outlook remains positive.

CECA thanked their members for taking the time to participate in the quarterly Workload Trends Survey.

(MH/JG)