New figures release by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) have revealed that a growing number of Scots are worried about losing their jobs.

Over the last year a growing number of people in Scotland have sought advice on the issue of dismissal from work, and there has been a sharp incline over the last three months.

In June, July and August, the number of people viewing the CAS advice webpage on dismissal increased by 55% over the same period last year, indicating a ‘summer surge’ in job insecurity. 

Publishing the data today, CAS spokesperson Emma Jackson said: “Our website is now one of the main platforms by which people access our advice.

“It will never replace the face-to-face in-person advice that we offer in our local bureaux, but it is still an important tool that offers people a choice of how to access our advice. And monitoring the numbers viewing our website gives us a useful guide to what trends are emerging and what concerns people have.  

 “So this increase in views of the dismissal page over the summer is a flashing red light warning that many workers in Scotland are facing instability in their employment. This is particularly concerning during the cost of living crisis when many workers are already struggling with bills and debt. 

“If you’re facing dismissal that’s a horrible situation to be in and can cause great stress and anxiety not just to the worker but to the rest of their household. This is especially the case if you feel you are being treated unfairly.

“People need quality advice in these situations and we want to remind anyone who is worried about their job that they are not alone - they can access our free, impartial and confidential support at citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/ or by making a face-to-face appointment at their local CAB.” 

The number of page views on Citizens Advice Scotland jumped from 2,591 in the summer of 2023 to 3,988 in the summer of 2024.

The figures come after The Herald reported around 400 jobs at Grangemouth refinery will be lost after the 100-year-old plant announced it will cease production in 2025.

The same day, it was reported that 160 jobs at Falkirk bus manufacturing factory, Alexander Dennis, were at risk.

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Citizens Advice Bureau Scotland asked people who approached them to share their experience. Both Shaun, a lorry driver from Glasgow, and Linda, a hairdresser in northeast Scotland went to seek help over the last four months after the fear of losing their jobs became too much.

Shaun said: “There’s been rumours at my work for a while about lay-offs. It’s definitely the case that the amount of work the firm is getting has fallen. And I mean, I get on well with the bosses and I don’t blame them if they’re going to have to make cuts. Business is business and all that.

"But I’m 58 and I don’t have any other skills. I’ve been a driver all my life, so if I lose this job I really think I might not get another one. I’ve been unemployed in the past and I hate it. I just hate it. Having to claim benefits, which is never enough to pay the bills anyway. But it’s also the sense of being useless. The thought of going back to that just terrifies me.”   

Linda added: "It’s so upsetting. I’ve just moved into a new flat with my boyfriend and we’re trying to build a life together, but his job isn’t that stable either and I’m worried that if I lose this one we won’t be able to pay the rent.

"I’m not sleeping and I’m a nervous wreck at work. I’m coming to you, so I know my rights and you’ve given me good advice and that’s great, but even with that it’s a rubbish situation to be in.”