Business briefs: Report shows rise in staff placements | BP buyback | BoE

Published on 19/11/2012 00:00

There was an increase in both permanent and temporary staff placements north of the Border last month, according to the Bank of Scotland’s latest Report on Jobs, published today.

But the survey also showed that candidate availability continued to deteriorate, particularly for permanent staff. Average pay edged higher.

BP mulls £3.7bn share buyback

Oil major BP is thought to be weighing up whether to commit up to £3.7 billion on a plan to revive its share price.

While the buy-up of its stock would help rehabilitate the firm in the eyes of the City, it risks angering US authorities as the fallout from the Gulf of Mexico spill in 2010 continues.

‘BoE can do more to boost economy’

Britain’s central bank still has the firepower to boost a sluggish economy and has scope for further stimulus with more asset purchases, Bank of England policymaker David Miles said yesterday. He said: “If growth does stay very weak and inflation stays low … there is more that we can do.”