The Scottish skills shortage has continued to worsen, according to a Bank of Scotland study.

The study found that employers were finding it difficult to fill permanent vacancies and were turning to recruitment agencies.

However, employment agencies also reported growing difficulties in finding suitable candidates to fill vacant positions.

The shortage has led to a rise in average salaries for full-time staff, according to the report.

Pay rates increased in February at the fastest rate since January last year.

The hourly pay rate for temporary and contract staff in Scotland pushed above the UK average, such was the demand for non-permanent workers.

The report also revealed that in February, for the seventh successive month, there was a rise in the number of full-time jobs.

The sectors most in need of permanent staff were computing and accounting, while the demand for temporary workers rose in all areas except nursing.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at the bank, which is part of the HBOS group, said: "Average starting salaries for permanent posts continued to rise at an accelerating rate, suggesting skill shortages are becoming more widespread."

The Bank of Scotland monthly labour market report, conducted by NTC, is based on a monthly survey of more than 100 recruitment and employment consultants.