Scots job market growth 'slows'

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Conditions in Scotland's jobs market hit their lowest growth rate for four years last month, according to new figures from the Bank of Scotland.

But the survey of 100 recruitment firms and job consultants also suggested the labour market in Scotland was faring better than elsewhere in the UK.

It found the growth in permanent staff appointments was at a 17-month low.

However, the demand for temporary posts in Scotland rose at its sharpest pace for three months, the figures showed.

Nurses, medical and care workers were the most in demand temps, followed by IT and computing staff.

'Remains firm'

The Scottish Labour Market Barometer is based on factors including demand for staff, availability for work and pay for permanent and temporary staff.

It found the most sought after permanent employees worked in the executive and professional sector.

Aberdeen offered the most opportunities for job seekers, while pay for temporary staff rose fastest in Dundee.

Martin Ellis, a Bank of Scotland economist, said despite February's weakened conditions, the outlook was not bad.

"With Scotland posting a stronger expansion of demand for permanent staff than that recorded across the UK for the first time in five months, and temp billings in Scotland increasing at its sharpest pace in three months, the outlook for the Scottish jobs remains firm," he said.