UK Online Recruitment Grows in October, According to Monster Employment Index

October 2009 Index Highlights:

The Monster Employment Index UK grew by seven points as the online job market started to show early signs of recovery
Online hiring increased in the majority of sectors, led by strong growth in education, manufacturing, transportation, hospitality and sales
Job demand rose most in Wales, with notable upturns also recorded in Scotland and the South West

Summary Overview

Online employment opportunities in the UK increased by seven points (seven percent) in October, as job demand reached its highest level since February 2009. Opportunities remain significantly below levels 12 months ago but the annual pace of deterioration has continued to ease. The overall European Index also increased, registering an uptick of two points (two percent) in October. However, offerings were down 32 percent year-on-year.

Year-on-year, hiring levels in the UK are down 29 percent. The monthly rise in October was driven by an upturn in demand in education and the export-driven manufacturing and transportation industries. There were also increases in hospitality and tourism; and sales sectors, which jumped to a ten-month high as demand for service and sales occupations surged, possibly boosted by a rise in foreign visitors and improved consumer confidence. By contrast, opportunities in the construction sector remained at an all-time Index low.

The Monster Employment Index Europe is a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate career sites and job boards across the European Union, including Monster.co.uk.

Monster Employment Index UK findings for the past 13 months are as follows:

Oct 09		Sep 09		Aug 09		Jul 09		Jun 09		May 09		Apr 09		Mar 09		Feb 09		Jan 09		Dec 08		Nov 08		Oct 08
114		107		109		110		110		109		112		110		117		111		141		152		161

“Despite economic indicators showing that the UK remains mired in recession, the solid expansion in online recruitment activity in October suggests the fourth quarter is off to a better start,” commented Hugo Sellert, head of economic research, at Monster Worldwide. “The rise in online job openings to an eight-month high points to an early recovery in hiring demand. Companies across the UK may now be considering expanding payrolls again as economic conditions have stabilised.”