Number of Scots placed in permanent jobs increases

Published on Monday 22 December 2003 00:00

THE number of Scots placed in permanent jobs by recruitment agencies rose for the fourth successive month in November, according to a survey published today.

The Bank of Scotland’s latest monthly labour market report showed the number of permanent staff vacancies rose for the sixth month in a row, and recruitment firms were reporting a shortage in certain key skills. Shane O’Riordain, general manager of group economics at BoS, said: "The latest Bank of Scotland jobs data indicates that the improvement in the Scottish recruitment market gathered pace in November.

"The improvement was driven by the continued buoyancy of demand for both permanent and temporary staff, as rising business confidence amongst Scottish firms encouraged the hiring of new employees."

For permanent staff, demand was strongest for nursing, medical and care staff, which rose at the fastest rate since March, while blue-collar workers were in most demand to fill temporary vacancies. The availability of temporary and contract staff fell for the seventh month in a row in November, and the rate of deterioration was "markedly" faster that the rest of the UK, Mr O’Riordain said.

He added: "Companies have also shown that they are willing to reward those candidates with skills in short supply."