Scotland's Private Sector "Recovery Continues"

The recovery of Scotland’s private sector is continuing well into the second half of the year.

More businesses are taking on new staff, with jobs growth recorded at manufacturers and service firms: with business activity increasing and firms getting through a backlog of work.

This latest expansion in output was broad-based across both manufacturing and services, and contributed to a further notable increase in employment. However, new business increased at a much slower rate, while a lack of pricing power led businesses to reduce output prices.

Chief Economist Donald MacRae says this month's report has a lot of positives overall, adding that, “August saw a broad based rise in business activity across both the services and manufacturing sectors.  Employment rose at the fastest rate for six months confirming continuing high levels of business confidence.  The Scottish economy continues to recover and grow in the second half of 2014.”