Demand for Scottish staff jumps
The number of people being recruited by Scottish companies into permanent jobs saw a sharp increase in April, according to new figures.
A survey for the Bank of Scotland showed the strongest labour market conditions for more than three years.
The biggest demand for permanent staff was in the IT sector while for temporary work it was in hotel and catering.
This is the seventh month running there has been an increase in vacancies.
In April, the rate of growth strengthened to the fastest since August 2007.
The report which is based on a monthly survey of more than 100 recruitment and employments consultants also showed that average salaries increased slightly.
Recruitment consultants based in Glasgow recorded the strongest rise in placing permanent staff.
Wages rose fastest in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Donald MacRae, chief economist at the Bank of Scotland, said: "This month's report on jobs provides further evidence of the Scottish economy's recovery from the weather-induced slowdown of winter. However Scotland has just caught up with the UK."