The number of people on long and short-term placements in Scotland rose in March, according to the latest Bank of Scotland ‘Report on Jobs’.

The report also shows permanent and temporary candidate availability rose during the month.

The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Barometer posted a reading of 53.8 in March, though the latest reading was down from February’s reading of 55.2.

Donald MacRae, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, says: “Recovery from the recession is extending to the labour market, with the demand for permanent staff rising at the fastest pace for three and a half years. Permanent staff appointments also increased for the sixth consecutive month, although growth eased from February’s 14-month high.

“All eight sectors registered a rise in permanent job vacancies during March, with the strongest increase occurring within the IT & computing sector, however average salaries awarded to permanent staff increased only modestly. This latest ‘Report on Jobs’ provides further evidence of the recovery in the Scottish economy.”