Scotland's employment rate has dipped below the UK figure while unemployment remains static, according to official figures.
Hotelier and hospitality businessman Stephen Leckie is about to enter the busy summer tourist season with hundreds of unfilled vacancies.Both have significant staffing issues, but are not on an equal playing field.Scotland's Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said: "The continued near-record unemployment rates for those aged 16 and over across Scotland and for men aged 16 and over are welcome.
"However, with certain industries still facing recruitment challenges, an urgent rethink of UK government immigration policy is needed to enable increased access to the international labour and skills that Scotland needs for our economy and communities to flourish." The numbers are influenced by the cost of living going up. Some early retirers, for instance, are going back to work because their budget plans are being stretched.