A survey of recruitment agencies shows that Scotland’s job market continued to improve last month as more people found permanent and temporary posts.

The latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs suggested placements grew at their highest rate for several months, with 36% of respondents stating an increase in filled permanent posts during the month and Edinburgh-based recruiters reporting the strongest increase in permanent placements.

According to the report, five sectors posted an increase in available permanent jobs in September, with hotel and catering recording the strongest overall rise.

The report also found that temp staff billings had increased from August, with Dundee-based consultancies recording the fastest rise in temp billings.

Bank of Scotland Chief Economist, Donald MacRae, said:

“Scotland’s job market continued to improve in September with a welcome increase in people appointed to both permanent and temporary jobs alongside a rising number of vacancies.

“The Scottish economy is maintaining employment in the face of the global slowdown.

“A significant fall in unemployment awaits a lift in both consumer and business confidence.”

Other findings from the report show that while permanent salaries fell marginally, the hourly temp pay rates rose strongly during September.