Employment in salmon farming has increased by 13 per cent, according to the SSPO. Photo: SSPO

Number of salmon farming jobs up 13%, says SSPO

A new report published today shows strong business confidence in the Scottish salmon farming industry. According to the findings by the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation (SSPO), employment is up by 13 per cent, capital investment remains steady at £63 million for the second year running and more than £390m was spent last year in the Scottish supply chain.

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The economic impact is particularly evident in the Highlands and Islands where £164m was spent directly with local businesses. Total gross pay increased by 5 per cent to almost £75m. The statistics are sourced from SSPO member companies and from HMRC Business and Trade Statistics.

According to the report, 2016 saw a 13 per cent increase in the salmon industry’s workforce, with the number of full-time employees increasing and a marginal fall in part-time positions. Most employees are based in the Highlands and Islands. Workforce numbers are steady at over 2,472 direct employees. An additional 10 per cent full-time jobs have been created in the last year, mirrored by a 7 per cent decline of part-time jobs.

More recruitment

Scott Landsburgh: "Nearly 3,500 Scottish companies are benefiting from doing business with salmon farmers." Photo: SSPO

SSPO chief executive Scott Landsburgh said: “Scottish salmon is now both Scotland’s and the UK’s top food export and the wholesale recognition of its quality and provenance has continued to boost industry’s investment confidence. For the second year, capital investment is sitting at £63m and nearly 3,500 Scottish companies are benefiting from doing business with salmon farmers. I’m especially pleased to see more recruitment and that 91 per cent of jobs are full-time.

“This is a major boost for the Scottish economy, but for the Highlands and Islands it is a vital economic and social support.  In addition to the business of salmon farming and the demonstrable benefits that brings, the industry is also committed to supporting local communities where staff and their families live and work.”

Thriving sector

According to the SSPO, salmon farming supported communities to the value of £735,000 by sharing facilities, time, expertise and providing financial assistance.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “This report shows our salmon sector is thriving economically, increasing the number of full-time jobs, supporting communities and generating significant levels of investment."

The minister, who last week outlined plans for Aquaculture Innovation Sites, added: “The industry is a key part of Scotland’s rural economy and this government is committed to supporting the sector to explore new approaches which will continue sustainable and productive growth in the future.”

The industry’s long-term commitment to the Highlands and Islands and its workforce is also seen in the continued skills and training programmes with 111 young people on Modern Apprenticeships or National Progression Awards schemes.

Salmon farming by the numbers:

Western Isles
  • Employment = 363 (+12%)
  • Capital Investment = £3.65m (-77%)
  • Salaries = £8.8m (-8%)
  • Local Industry Spend = £8.4m (-11%)

Highland

  • Employment = 904 (+24%)
  • Capital Investment = £28.9m (+108%)
  • Salaries = £25.1m (+9%)
  • Local Industry Spend = £87.4m (+9%)

Argyll & Bute

  • Employment = 466 (+6%)
  • Capital Investment = £11.1m (-21%)
  • Salaries = £14.4m (+11%)
  • Local Industry Spend = £24m (+10%)

Shetland

  • Employment = 421 (+2%)
  • Capital Investment = £10.6m (-18%)
  • Salaries = £13.9m (+1%)
  • Local Industry Spend = £40.5m (+23%)

Orkney

  • Employment = 161 (+19%)
  • Capital Investment = £7.5m (+20%)
  • Salaries = £4.9m (+31%)
  • Local Industry Spend = £4.3m (+64%)