Demand for both permanent and temporary employees has risen among Scottish employers, according to October’s Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs.

The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Barometer posted a reading of 48.4 in October, up from 46.8 in September, its highest level since June, though below the 50 no-change mark, largely due to strongly rising candidate availability.

Donald MacRae, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, says: “This month’s improving barometer data is the most positive since June this year. Demand for both permanent and temporary employees rose with the number of people placed into temporary positions increasing at a five-month high. While not as strong, the mild growth in permanent job placements was the first increase in four months.”