Research released on Monday suggested 56% of firms were confident their business would grow over the next 12 months, with just 10% predicting a reduction.
The results were released by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, and the study also found that many of the new positions would be in skilled or managerial posts.
Scott McKerracher, Clydesdale Bank’s regional director for Scotland, said the results were “encouraging”. He added: “These results suggest that a growing number of businesses are starting to look to the future with more confidence.
“It continues to be a challenging time for businesses and many will have had to make tough decisions to protect their business, however, few will have lost sight of the fact that their staff are their most important asset. By investing in their workforce when the time is right, businesses are helping to pave the way for growth and future success.
“The research appears to indicate that recruitment and training are beginning to re-emerge as key priorities for UK businesses as they look to the future and plan if, and how, they will take advantage of any emerging opportunities.”
The sales, media and marketing sectors look set to lead the recruitment drive, with 66% of such businesses looking to take on more staff (66%).
The research was carried out in June, when 1033 adults in Scotland and England were questioned.
Report supplied by www.stv.tv”