§ Rev William McCreaasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current trend in vacancies and its implications for future employment patterns in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartRecent figures for the seasonally adjusted level of vacancies notified to jobcentres and remaining unfilled are as follows:
Unfilled Vacancies 000's 1982 1st Quarter 13.6 2nd Quarter 12.4 3rd Quarter 13.1 4th Quarter 13.8 1983 1st Quarter 14.9 2nd Quarter 16.5 3rd Quarter 17.2 October 17.4 November 17.1 December 16.2 1984 January 16.1 February 15.1 Future employment patterns depend on a number of factors. Scotland stands to benefit from the growth already under way in the United Kingdom economy, and, as the recovery broadens out, faster growth in investment and exports should improve the outlook for jobs.