Council Expenditure

Information about local authority employees

The Highland Council is a major employer in the region. For the financial year 2025/26:

  • The budgeted workforce is 8,471 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
  • This compares to 8,410 FTEs in the previous year.
  • The increase of 61 FTEs represents a 0.7% rise in the total wage bill.
  • These figures are forecasted and may be subject to change.

This workforce includes a wide range of essential roles such as teachers, social workers, refuse collectors, and administrative staff who deliver vital public services across the Highlands.

Page last modified: 27 January 2026