Workforce experts ManpowerGroup said Scotland’s “Net Employment Outlook” has risen an impressive seven points to +8%, its highest level in more than two years.

Manpower said that is one point ahead of the UK national average and reflects Scottish employers’ growing confidence heading into 2017.

The ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey is based on responses from 2,104 UK employers.

It asks whether employers intend to hire additional workers or reduce the size of their workforce in the coming quarter.

It is the most comprehensive, forward-looking employment survey of its kind and is used as a key economic statistic by the Bank of England and the UK government.

Amanda White, operations manager at Manpower, said: “Today’s survey results are great news for Scottish jobseekers and employers in Edinburgh and Grangemouth are particularly optimistic about hiring.

“We’re seeing a notable increase in demand for permanent and temporary roles across professional services, engineering companies and the tech sector.

“Edinburgh is experiencing a significant boom in construction, with a rise in housing, infrastructure and commercial projects.

“This represents a tremendous opportunity for contractors across a range of trades.

“The picture is not universally positive however and it’s no surprise that Aberdeen continues to be impacted by the oil and gas slump, with very little hiring activity.

“Candidates are in high demand in the current market so they can afford to be picky.

“In response to this challenging market, employers are increasingly finding that they are reliant on short-term resourcing solutions.

“We’re seeing more employers look at outsourcing solutions as they begin to see the benefits of a flexible workforce which can be scaled up and down at speed to suit their needs.”