The number of people employed in the private sector in Scotland increased for the first time since July, while staffing levels across the UK overall decreased, reports the Bank of Scotland Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI).

The index reached 51.3, the highest level since May, with both sections – manufacturers and services – registering an increase, while the UK index is lower than it has been at any point in the last nine months.

Scotland is now the second healthiest UK region for employment, after the East Midlands (53.3), marginally ahead of Northern Ireland, where the index reached 51.2.

Scotland is also the sixth fastest-growing region for employment over the last quarter, with the East Midlands again leading the way, ahead of the West Midlands, the South-East, the East of England and the North-East. No other region registered an increase in the index over the last three months.