The jobs market is showing continued signs of recovery, with a 22% year on year uplift in available positions, according to a report published today (1st July 2013).

• UK jobs market holds firm at highest point since December 2009
• Quarter on quarter growth of 7% in job opportunities is “very encouraging” says reed.co.uk
• New data shows 22% year on year growth in new positions

The latest Reed Job Index, which is compiled using data from over 10,000 employers, held firm at its highest point since it began in December 2009 for the second consecutive month.

The Job Index has seen healthy gains since the start of the year, with the second quarter of 2013 up 7% on the first three months of the year.  Among the sectors enjoying the most notable growth during June were transport and logistics (15%) and construction and property (7%).

Across the UK, Scotland saw the biggest year on year uplift in new job opportunities, up 26% on 2012. Northern Ireland continues to be the one area of the UK lagging slightly behind its 2012 performance, however it saw the strongest gains of any region during June, up 8% on May.

Overall, the Reed Job Index now stands at 163, up from 138 in January 2013.

Commenting on the latest figures, James Reed, chairman of reed.co.uk, says:

“As we reach the halfway point of the year, it is very encouraging to see the jobs market strengthening quarter on quarter. This consistent growth paints a picture of a much healthier labour market and it is vital that this is sustained through the next three months to support confidence and, in turn, wider growth.

“We cannot afford to stutter in what has been a smooth path to recovery in the labour market since the start of the year. Job creation is central to the recovery of the UK economy and, in light of last week’s comprehensive spending review, it is important that businesses have the right conditions to help drive the economy forward through increased employment opportunities. The private

sector has already played a significant role in absorbing public sector job cuts and it needs to be in good shape to offset the next round of significant redundancies.”

James Reed concludes:

“It was particularly heartening to see growth in the construction sector this month – a sector that has experienced difficulties since the downturn – and hopefully the government’s renewed focus on large scale infrastructure projects will support this in the longer term.”

The Reed Job Index is compiled by reed.co.uk, through analysis of job advertisement trends from over 10,000 recruiters throughout the UK tracked against a baseline of 100 established in December 2009. It is the largest month measure of conditions and trends in employment in the UK.
Credit: onrec.com