Business Insights And Conditions Survey (BICS) Weighted Scotland Estimates - Data To Wave 38

23rd September 2021

This is the 26th publication of weighted Scotland estimates from the ONS' BICS. These are experimental statistics, which means that they are still in development but have been released to enable their use at an early stage. All results are provisional and subject to revision.

Latest main findings for businesses with 10+ employees and a presence in Scotland

 In the period 23 August to 5 September 2021, the share of businesses ‘currently trading' was estimated at 98.7% - up from 98.4% in the previous period and the highest rate since comparable estimates began in June 2020.

 The Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry sector continued to have the lowest share of businesses ‘currently trading' - estimated at 95.2%.

 The share of the workforce on furlough leave was estimated at 3.3% in the period 9 August to 5 September 2021 - down from 4.5% in the previous period and the lowest rate since comparable estimates began in June 2020.

 In the latest period, the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry sector continued to have the highest share of the workforce on furlough leave - estimated at 19.8%.

 In the period 9 August to 5 September 2021, 27.1% of businesses reported a decrease in turnover compared with what is normally expected - the lowest percentage recorded since comparable estimates began in June 2020. There was one industry sector where more than half of trading businesses experienced a decrease in turnover compared with what is normally expected - Arts, Entertainment & Recreation (estimated at 56.1%).

 In the latest period, of businesses currently trading that have exported in the last 12 months, 27.3% reported exporting less than normal, and 22.4% of relevant businesses reported importing less than normal.

Read the full report HERE