Jobs growth in Scotland slowed in November but Aberdeen remained as the hotspot for appointments, a new report shows.
November’s Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs revealed another improvement in overall labour market conditions in Scotland in the month, but at the slowest rate since September of last year.
Aberdeen continued to lead growth in permanent appointments ahead of Glasgow, while the fastest increase in billings from temporary staff was recorded in Edinburgh.
The most marked decrease in permanent candidate availability was registered by consultancies in Dundee, while those in Aberdeen noted the steepest drop in temporary candidate supply.
Growth of permanent starting salaries was the fastest in Glasgow, while inflation of hourly pay rates for temporary staff was strongest in Dundee.
The bank’s Labour Market Barometer slipped to 60.1 in November, from 65 in October.
Donald MacRae, Chief Economist at Bank of Scotland, commented: “November’s Report on Jobs showed further growth in the number of people appointed to jobs although the pace of increase eased to its lowest level for seven months. Vacancies for permanent jobs, rose but at a slower rate than earlier in the year. These results indicate Scotland’s economy growing but slowing.”
Deputy first minister John Swinney said: “These welcome figures are further evidence of a strengthening labour market in Scotland. The Bank of Scotland report shows that the employment picture in Scotland improved for the 49th consecutive month, with the demand for permanent staff appointments also continuing to increase.
“The report comes at a time when the most recent labour market figures show that Scotland has the highest employment and economic activity rates and lowest unemployment rate of the four nations of the UK.
“We will continue to do all we can to ensure the positive trends continue, but with further job creating powers, we could do even more to help families throughout Scotland.”