Economy

Employment

In 2023 there were 14,000 jobs in Shetland, of which 57.1% were full-time and 42.9% part-time.

During 2024 there was:

  • 85.9% of the population in employment, one of the highest rates in the country
  • 1.8% of the population unemployed, one of the lowest rates in the country
  • A business start-up rate of 79.0, which was higher than the Scottish rate of 72.5
  • 1,650 private businesses registered in Shetland, of which 95% were small businesses (0-49 employees)
  • A median gross weekly pay for full time workers of £782.60, which was higher than the Scottish and UK values