Glasgow 'boosts' Scots job market

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More people are working and wages are rising, according to the Bank of Scotland's latest economic report.

The rise in Scottish employment figures during November was mainly led by the Glasgow labour market, economists said.

The report said that while the rate of growth was the fastest since July, Scotland was now below the UK average after "outperforming" for most of 2006.

The bank also said Scotland's unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.3% of the working population.

The BoS labour market report claimed that permanent staff salaries rose, with about 28% of consultancies signalling an increase for the month of November.

Tight market

Temporary and contract staff pay also rose, which may have been due to a recent increase to the national minimum wage.

Aberdeen registered the largest skill shortages and also the highest increases in wages.

BoS group economist Tim Crawford said: "Engineering and construction has been the best performing segment of the market in Scotland.

"Wages and salaries also continue to rise in Scotland with firms prepared to pay a premium to attract qualified staff in a tight labour market."