Those who have just qualified as finance professionals should look to Scotland's oil and gas sector for a place to start their careers, it has been claimed.

Keith Mason, regional director at Hays Senior Finance, Scotland said that the sector was experiencing a skills shortage, despite the fact that oil and gas is the fastest growing industry in the country.

He explained: "In Aberdeen the rate of pay is higher and there are real career opportunities.

"Finance professionals should be seriously considering it as a career move."

Newly qualified individuals start on a salary of £30,000 to £35,000 and that the route is well worth pursuing.

The comments come after National Office of Statistics data showed that the rate of unemployment in the UK was 5.7 per cent, compared to 5.2 per cent in the previous quarter.

Hays specialises in recruitment and puts professional candidates in temporary, permanent and interim positions.

It employs 8,900 staff in 390 offices in 27 countries over the world.