Jun-23 Sep-23 Dec-23 Mar-24 Jun-24 Sep-24 Dec-24 Change % % % % % % % Applicants not of the required 66 57 57 61 57 57 55 -2 skill/experience Salary expectations of 46 40 43 45 44 44 41 -3 candidates Lack of applicants 70 57 43 50 48 41 35 -6 Candidates wanted greater 32 29 -3 20 23 26 30 31 flexible working arrangements Preferred hours of 21 23 3 16 12 26 23 20 candidates I did not experience any 7 5 5 5 8 9 11 1 difficulties Candidates did not want to work from * 5 8 6 5 7 9 2 home Other 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 5 U K and Scottish Government In December 2024, when asked if the Scottish Government is concerned with the needs of Scottish businesses, around half (48%) agreed, while 31% disagreed.