THE pace of growth in the Scottish labour market has eased in March, as demand from employers for staff also grew at a slower rate.

While number of people placed in permanent posts rose for the 25th month in a row last month, although the pace of growth was slower than in February and below the UK average, according to the Bank of Scotland's latest Report on Jobs. It also highlighted a slowing of the growth in temporary billings.

The easing of the appointment rate came as the Labour Market Barometer registered 60.6 in March, up from a 15-month low of 59.8 in February.

But the reading was adrift of the 63.9 in March last year, and the corresponding reading for the same month for the UK, recorded at 63.3. The UK reading was marginally up on the 63.2 last March.

A reading above 50 signals improvement in labour market conditions according to the barometer, a composite indicator based on demand for staff, employment, availability for work, and pay in the temporary and permanent markets.

The latest report suggests growth in starting salaries for permanent jobs accelerated in March after easing to a 15-month low in February, driven in part by a lack of available candidates.

However average hourly rates for temporary and contract staff were unchanged.

Demand for permanent staff continued to rise during March, the report found, notably in the nursing, medical care sector, as well as in IT and computing. But while growth was still marked it did ease in March and was the slowest rate since August 2013.

The growth in demand for temporary staff also slackened, and was at its weakest March 2013.

Dundee was found to have seen the sharpest increase in permanent and temporary billings in March, in contrast with Aberdeen where there were further falls.

Edinburgh saw the fastest rise in permanent starting salaries, ahead of Dundee which led in the way in the growth of hourly pay rates for temporary staff.