The latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs has signalled a further improvement in Scottish labour market conditions during March.

The number of people placed into both long- and short-term job roles increased during the latest survey period, as demand for new staff grew further.

However, both permanent and temporary candidate availability rose during March, keeping pay inflation subdued.

Permanent placement was strongest in Glasgow, while Dundee had the fastest increase in temporary vacancies.

The Bank of Scotland Labour Market Barometer – a composite indicator designed to provide a single figure snapshot of labour market conditions – registered 53.8 in March and indicated a solid improvement in the Scottish job market. Although the latest reading was down from February’s reading of 55.2, the Barometer posted the highest quarterly reading since Q1 2008.

Donald MacRae, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, said: “Recovery from the recession is extending to the labour market