Three in every four government employees is satisfied with their job, according to a survey published today - a rise of 13 percentage points on last year.

The Scottish Government Employee Survey covers all staff and secondees in government directorates and agencies and is carried out annually.

Job satisfaction in the private sector increased by just 3 percentage points over the same period.

The questions showing the greatest improvement on 2006's results included "In my experience we are effectively involving members of the public in the design and development of policy", "In my experience, the Scottish Government has a culture of sound financial management" and "I feel I have the skills and knowledge I need to achieve my objectives".

A Scottish Government source said: "There is a real buzz and sense of achievement inside the Scottish Government – people are taking pride in the many policies that the SNP are delivering at such a rapid pace."

However there was a drop of five per cent in those who agreed with the statement "My job makes good use of my skills and abilities" and a drop of three per cent in those who said "I believe I am valued for what I can offer the Scottish Government." 

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