Council survey asks businesses if lack of housing is affecting ability to recruit staff
LOCAL employers are being urged to respond to a survey about the lack of housing in Shetland and whether it is affecting their ability to recruit and retain staff.
Shetland Islands Council has commissioned the survey to determine the extent of workforce housing shortages across the isles.
The research will also define what is meant by the term ‘key worker’ in Shetland, the council said, and will assess the numbers and types of housing needed to accommodate this group.
The council said the survey would help them to see “whether housing shortage is a barrier to growing the economy in Shetland”.
“Views are sought from local businesses of all sizes and in all sectors of the Shetland economy, which will help identify how workforce housing shortages should be tackled,” a spokesperson said.
“Employers are also asked for their views on what needs to happen to increase housing options and choices for working age people in Shetland.”
Survey responses will be gathered anonymously, unless any business wants to provide their details for follow up research.
Housing manager Anita Jamieson said: “We’re keen to hear from a wide range of local employers on the Workforce Housing Survey, to help us better understand the pressures on the local housing market and potential solutions.
“We’d like views from as many local employers as possible, including public and private sector organisations, and businesses large and small, so that we can build as complete a picture as we can.”
The survey is open for four weeks from today and is available here – it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, the council added.
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