Contractor demand grew in August

Temporary placements remained strong throughout August, latest figures show.

Demand for contractors using umbrella company services was apparently on the rise in August, as an improvement in labour market conditions was seen.

This is according to the latest Bank of Scotland Report on Jobs, which showed that both temporary and permanent staff placements increased strongly.

Furthermore, a positive rise in wages and salaries was recorded, while candidate availability improved at the fastest pace for five months.

Donald MacRae, chief economist at Bank of Scotland, commented: "The barometer has now been above the equivalent index for the UK for five consecutive months.

"Demand for both temporary and permanent staff increased strongly."

It was recently suggested by chief executive officer of Work Wise UK Phil Flaxton that apprentices could provide a much needed boost to the UK jobs market.

He urged large-scale organisations to take on temporary workers so they can be taught skills on the job.