Edinburgh Napier University

  In common with many countries, the composition and attitudes of Scotland’s population are changing. It is the regions where the industries in the wood products value chain are based that are expected to change most dramatically. These industries continue to draw their employees from traditional routes and are already reporting difficulty in recruiting and retaining enough people. This situation is expected to get dramatically worse over the next 20 years if employment practices are not changed to reflect the diversity and aspirations of Scotland’s modern workforce. The necessary changes are linked to the current low proportion of female workers, but are aimed at improving employment generally. This paper summarises the findings of a two-year study of the Scottish wood chain, but the recommendations are applicable to other countries facing similar challenges.