The research has been commissioned by Shetland Islands Council to establish the need for housing for the diverse workforce which supports the Shetland economy. The research will also define what is meant by the term ‘key worker’ in Shetland and will assess the numbers and types of housing needed to accommodate this group.

The research also aims to assess whether local businesses and employers are struggling to recruit or retain staff due to a lack of housing, and 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.

Local employers are being asked if a lack of housing to accommodate workers is potentially affecting their business growth.  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 used for research purposes only and gathered anonymously, unless any business wishes to provide their details for follow-up research. The survey is available here – it should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.

The survey is being conducted by specialist housing consultancy Arneil Johnston on behalf of Shetland Islands Council.

Anita Jamieson, executive manager – housing, 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.”