Latest news: Job opportunities increase

The latest figures released by the Reed Job Index show a sharp increase for demand in new staff in the UK for the month of February. 12/03/2012 

The report, which examines trends from more than 8,000 UK-based recruiters, had an index reading of 140 points. This was the highest rating since the index began and is 40% above the level of December 2009.

Starting salaries for new jobs have also increased and are at the highest point since March last year, rising two index points since last month. Salary increases in areas such as retail, consultancy and training are responsible in contributing to the overall rise.

February also saw record growth in 11 of the 12 regions analysed with the North West of England and Northern Ireland showing the greatest month-on-month increase. New jobs in London were also up 10% on last year.

Managing director of Reed.co.uk, Martin Warnes said, ‘A rise in new jobs to a two-year high is encouraging, especially as this growth has been spread across a wide range of employment sectors and in every UK region.

‘The jobs market does remain challenging however and before we can talk about a return to growth, we would want to see job creation strengthening over the coming months.’