When it’s time to expand, your business has several staffing options besides recruiting new employees.

You could train up existing staff to take on new roles. You could use fixed-term contracts, agency workers, freelancers or outside contractors for greater flexibility. There may even be ways to improve efficiencies or how work is shared to avoid the need to create new posts.

View the free Business Gateway guide to options for employing people.

Yes, if you are thinking about starting, or already run, a business in Scotland.

This is a free and impartial service.

Any business based in Scotland that has, or plans to recruit, employees.

Set aside 7 minutes to read up on your options for employing people.

Fixed-term employees must be treated the same as permanent employees – with the same pay and conditions, benefits package, pension scheme and chances to apply for permanent roles. You must take care of their tax arrangements too.

Visit the Business Gateway website for more advice on employing people.