Jobs Market Improves Despite Oil Industry Crisis

More Scots found work last month, despite the oil and gas indutry issues affecting business confidence.

The Bank of Scotland's latest Report on Jobs found firms are taking on more permanent and temporary staff.

But salary inflation decreased and there was a marked fall in new business during February.

Donald MacRae, Chief Economist at Bank of Scotland, said:

“February’s Barometer at 59.8 was virtually unchanged from January’s 60.0 showing the labour market continuing to improve but at a slightly lower rate than last year.

"The number of people appointed to both permanent and temporary jobs rose as did the number of vacancies. Starting salaries increased for all types of jobs although the rate of increase eased. These results show businesses with enough confidence to invest for the future and suggest the Scottish economy continues to grow in early 2015.

"Edinburgh led growth in permanent placements for the second straight month, while Aberdeen recorded the only decline."