The number of people placed in permanent jobs by recruitment agencies in Scotland in October rose at its sharpest pace since February 2015, a key survey has shown, writes Ian McConnell.

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation, publishing the survey conducted by IHS Markit, noted the acceleration of growth in permanent placements in Scotland in October contrasted with a slowing of the rate of increase last month in the UK as a whole.

REC chief executive Kevin Green said: “Scotland is doing better than the rest of the UK.”