Scottish labour market conditions have slightly improved, according to a new report.

Around 36% of recruitment consultancies reported an increase in job placements.

Temporary contracts rose in April after a decline in March, with 34% indicating a rise.

Demand for permanent staff grew at its sharpest rate in four months during April.

The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Report’s index increased from 53.4 to 53.5 in April.

This is higher than the equivalent rating for the rest of the UK.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, said: “Although modest in comparison with the firm growth seen during much of 2007, conditions in the Scottish labour market improved marginally in April after the slowing trend witnessed in recent months. April's improvement was underpinned by rises in both permanent and temporary appointments, while demand for staff rose at its sharpest rate in four months.”