- Higher client demand supports marked increase in permanent appointments
- Permanent salaries rise at fastest rate for six years
- Aberdeen and Dundee continue to report strongest increases in permanent and temporary staff placements respectively
The latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs signalled a further marked rise in permanent placements in September. Although the rate of growth was slower than the record-highs in the previous two months, it reflected higher client demand, which rose to the greatest extent for almost two-and-a-half years. Temp billings growth similarly eased over the month. Concurrently, average pay rose markedly, with permanent placements, in particular, increasing at the fastest pace since mid-2007.
The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Barometer – a composite indicator designed to provide a single figure snapshot of labour market conditions – picked up slightly in September, rising to 60.0 from 59.7 in August. This was only marginally below July’s near six-year peak of 60.3, and signalled a marked improvement in Scottish job market conditions.
Donald MacRae, Chief Economist at Bank of Scotland, commented: “September’s Labour Market Barometer showed a continuing improvement in Scottish job market conditions. The number of people appointed to both permanent and temporary jobs increased while growth in vacancies was marked. The Engineering & Construction sectors saw the highest rate of vacancy growth for almost two-and-a-half years. This is further welcome evidence of the strengthening of the recovery in the Scottish economy.”