More Information
Well known for hosting the British Open Championship at Troon, Ayrshire's economy is monopolised by leisure and tourism, manufacturing, and professional & technical jobs. Most staff in the area are employed by large companies in public and private sector roles - including Clydesdale bank, Ayr Racecourse, Western House Hotel, Mackay Corporate Insurance Brokers, and NHS Ayrshire & Arran. The region is also home to the University of South West Scotland, employing around 1300 staff.
As Ayrshire has several of places of interest, including Auchenharvie castle and Cleeves Cove, roles in tourism are generated, contributing to the local economy. 19% of jobs in the area fall under the customer service and leisure industries.
Around 23% of jobs are in administrative and skilled trade occupations, while 23% of the workforce is employed in manufacturing jobs. Global employers dominate Ayr's economy, with about a quarter of staff commuting from elsewhere.
The unemployment rate in Ayrshire is roughly 11%, compared with 30% nationally. The rate has decreased annually since 2010, and the gap between Scotland and England is falling. Government schemes such as The Planning and Economic Development service provided by East Ayrshire Council are designed to meet the economic needs of local people. Recruitment agencies predict that these trends will continue to drive private sector growth.