TALENT IN SCOTLAND
February 25, 2010
We had a very full turnout for our HR Forum earlier this month, which was heartening and discussion was lively around a full agenda. One agenda item included a very good presentation from officials of the Scottish Government on the work of the Relocation Advisory Service. This is one instrument for pursuing the devolved government's policy of attracting people to come and live and work in Scotland. From our industry's point of view, this is all good stuff. We are an international industry and we want our companies to be able to gain access to the talent they need as easily as possible. Of course, immigration and border control are responsibilities of the UK government and there will be times when we need to deal with Westminster rather than Holyrood. One can easily see the political pressures that make a Westminster government rather wary of being seen to promote immigration. But the population trend in Scotland is downwards, uniquely (I think) among European countries. So the pursuit by both governments of policies that attract and retain talent is essential for an industry like ours.
Owen
