Scottish jobs market improves

Novemberís Bank of Scotland Labour Market Report highlighted a rise in both permanent and temporary employment in Scotland led by strength in the Glasgow labour markets over the month. Wages and salaries continued to rise in Scotland in November with employers prepared to pay more to attract skilled candidates.

The reportís labour market barometer posted a three-month high of 60.0, up from 59.3 in October. The index was broadly in line with the equivalent barometer for the wider UK economy after outperforming through most of 2006. It was also well above the 50 point level, which signals improving labour market conditions north of the border.

Rising demand was recorded for all broad categories of staff, with Engineering and Construction registering the strongest growth for both permanent and temporary workers.

Tim Crawford, Group Economist at Bank of Scotland, commented: ìThe Scottish labour market recorded a pick-up in growth in November although growth rates are now back in line with the UK average after outperforming for most of 2006. Engineering and construction has been the best performing segment of the market in Scotland, while wages and salaries also continue to rise in Scotland with firms prepared to pay a premium to attract qualified staff in a tight labour market.

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