The Scottish Labour market showed signs of improvement in December, according to the latest the Bank of Scotland Labour Market Barometer.

The barometer registered 52.6 in December, up from November’s figure of 50.9.

This is the second consecutive month the Barometer has recorded above the 50.0 no-change level.

Donald MacRae, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, says: “The turnaround in the Scottish labour market first identified in October continues, led by faster vacancy growth. Having posted above the 50.0 no-change level for two consecutive months, the Barometer now sits at an eight month high and is almost level with the UK.

“The number of people placed into permanent positions rose at a solid rate for the third successive month, while demand for permanent staff in December rose at the fastest pace in seven months. All eight employment sectors registered vacancy growth in December, with the IT and Computing sector recording the fastest rate of increase and a six-month high. However, the number of people seeking permanent employment fell for the first time since March 2008. Further improvement in the Scottish labour market in 2011 is likely to be muted.”