Scottish Jobs Market Stabilises in April

Aprilís Bank of Scotland Labour Market Report indicated a slight improvement in the Scottish labour market conditions, following the moderation observed in recent months. Solid rises in both permanent and temporary staff appointments were recorded, while overall candidate availability improved for the first time in over four years.

The report's labour market barometer rose for the first time since June 2007, increasing marginally to 53.5, from 53.4 in March. The index was comfortably above the equivalent barometer for the wider UK job market, indicating a faster rate of labour market improvement in Scotland compared with the UK overall.

At a sector level, demand for permanent and temporary staff remains particularly strong for Nursing/Medical/Care workers.

Martin Ellis, Chief Economist at Bank of Scotland, commented: ìAlthough modest in comparison with the firm growth seen during much of 2007, conditions in the Scottish labour market improved marginally in April after the slowing trend witnessed in recent months. April's improvement was underpinned by rises in both permanent and temporary appointments, while demand for staff rose at its sharpest rate in four months.î

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