It seems that every day the latest news stories are a mixture of markets depreciating and jobs being lost, as the global economic downturn continues to wreak havoc across the globe. So when there is a news story which seems to fly in the face of all this negativity it stands out like a shining light. Scotland jobs have received a major boost with news that Clyde shipyards have secured a contract which could secure many jobs for a decade to come.

The share of the 4 billion pound aircraft carrier project will mean that many of the 3000 Scotland jobs that were in a precarious position will be saved and there may even be the need to recruit. Positions at the Govan and Scotstoun yards were expected to be lost over the next few years; this is no longer the case. Many people are predicting that this could be just the news that Scotland needs to start building itself up again. It is hoped that many other industry sectors and businesses will see a knock on effect.

The security of Scotland jobs is closely linked to an economy which has always been dominated by heavy industry, in particular the shipyards, coal mining and steel industries. North Sea oil and oil exploration have also always secured many Scotland jobs stretching back to the 1970; this continues to be the case today. But Scotland isn't just about heavy industry, there are many job sectors in Scotland which, could benefit from renewed investment and interest in the area.

Edinburgh has seen many changes in the last few years but has continued to establish itself as a major business centre. It is now the centre of financial services in Scotland and is also the sixth largest financial centre in Europe. Many large finance companies choose to have offices in Edinburgh including Royal Bank of Scotland, HBOS and Standard Life.

This strong position that Edinburgh occupies; healthy financial services and close links to Europe, means that Scotland jobs in many areas benefit. The knock on effect of Edinburgh's prosperity should not be underestimated and it is hoped that the Clyde shipyards contract will have a similar effect. An investment in one area means that people have money to spend and the confidence to spend it which feed through to the rest of the economy, both locally and nationally.

This type of knock on effect could be experienced in Scotland's two other major earners; tourism and manufacturing. Tourism accounts for a large number of Scotland jobs; it's visited by millions of people each year and hosts many sporting and cultural events every year including the Six Nations Rugby tournament and the Edinburgh Festival. It is estimated that as much as 10 per cent of Scotland Jobs are in the tourism industry. If investment like that seen in the Clyde shipyard continues then the tourism industry could also grow and make up and even greater number of Scotland jobs.

The state of a country's economy and wellbeing are always reflected in its export statistics. Increased investment often raises a location's profile and exports go up as well. Manufacturing makes up about 70 per cent of Scotland's exports and a large part of this is attributable to the country's most famous drink, whisky. Much needed investment could sure up this area and also benefit other areas such as the electronics industry.

About the Author

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the manufacturing industry.
Find out more about Scotland Jobs and investment in manufacturing.

Article Source: Content for Reprint