Business turnover linked to Dounreay has fallen
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THE number of people relying on employment from Dounreay has decreased over the last six years, according to new findings.
A study commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited showed the total number of jobs dependant on the nuclear site had fallen from 15 per cent to 10 per cent since 2006.
It also showed that in the last five years, 150 businesses have committed to creating or retaining hundreds of jobs in the county. The number of new companies in the area is also rising.
Of the supply chain companies surveyed, 78 per cent said their turnover had increased since 2006, and almost half revealed the proportion of their turnover linked to Dounreay work had decreased.
HIE area manager Roy Kirk said that with over £30 million invested in projects such as Scrabster harbour, Wick marina, North Highland College and John O’Groats, the region has a bright economic future.
“Our strategy focuses on supporting existing business as it looks to new markets, encouraging investment in growth sectors like energy and business services, and we are supporting major infrastructure projects which will help create new jobs,” he said.
“The survey results indicate these efforts are building confidence in the community.”
*See more on this story in Friday’s John O’Groat Journal.
