Scots jobs market takes turn for better

The Scottish labour market has seen a sharp improvement in employment levels, with increases in permanent placements, according to a market report on jobs.

June’s IHS Markit Report on Jobs for Scotland said demand for temporary and permanent staff remained at “historically high” levels.

On the pay front, the survey said salary pressures “remained steep”.

Tom Hadley, director of policy at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, said: “With fewer people currently looking for jobs, employers are having to increase starting salaries to secure the talent they need.

“This is creating great opportunities for people with in-demand skills who are prepared to change jobs, but it’s also putting unsustainable pressure on many businesses.”

The UK also signalled sharp levels of growth but recorded slower increase rates as a whole than Scotland.

Data indicated IT and computing saw the largest rise in vacancies in June. Engineering and construction was also a topperforming sector.

Scottish recruitment consultancies also reported steep increases.

0 Tennent’s lager sponsored the T in the Park music festival for many years Best-selling Tennent’s lager owner C&C said yesterday the brand was growing its share of a “flat market” backed by a new marketing campaign and social media.

The Irish drinks group, which also owns Magners cider, said in an AGM trading update: “The Scottish business has benefited from multi-year investment in both customers and brands.

“This has provided real competitive advantage and there is a degree of momentum in customer recruitment in our branded and wholesale channels.”

C& C’s statement, covering the period from 1 March to yesterday, said underlying trading across its main markets was satisfactory.

The company said it would be better placed to assess recent brand and new product development in its home Irish market after “the key trading months of July and August”.

Its premium craft brands including Heverlee had a strong period.