Job rot for independent Scots?

Could an independent Scotland derail the country's financial services jobs boom and force large firms to shift their business operations to London?

Yes, according to recruiters, who unfortunately prefer to air their views anonymously. One, who declined to be named, says: "There is a fear that some companies will look at the option of moving their businesses, and with them Scottish jobs, south. Most of the financial sector's clients are in the south and there is uncertainty surrounding what fiscal measures the SNP, which is left-leaning, and an independent Scotland might introduce."

Another says: "A lot of people voting SNP probably don't want an independent Scotland, and a referendum would show that. But some businesses may take fright and that would hit financial services growth and obviously impact on jobs and salaries."

Although the SNP has pledged not to hold a referendum on independence until 2010, Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell, who heads the current Labour/Liberal Democrat coalition government, warned earlier this month that an SNP victory would create three years of uncertainty and paralysis of the financial services industry.

A number of prominent Scottish businessmen, including former Royal Bank of Scotland chairman Sir George Mathewson and Stagecoach boss Brian Souter, have publicly backed the SNP and the party is currently ahead in the polls.

Scotland's booming financial services industry has grown by more than 50% in the last six years and employs more than 100,000 Scottish workers.