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Job opportunities are at their highest level since the height of the financial crash in September 2008, according to an analysis of job vacancies from over 10,000 UK recruiters.
The latest monthly REED job index found that all 12 UK regions it measures are showing a monthly and annual growth in jobs, with more than 165,000 job opportunities recorded last month. This shows growth of over 17% compared with this time last year. Scotland in particular shows a year-on-year increase in jobs of 48% since December 2009.
Each of the 33 sectors listed on the index reported an increased number of jobs compared with last year. Retail saw one of the biggest increases in jobs posted, with a 17% monthly increase, reflecting renewed consumer confidence in the run-up to Christmas.
In the construction sector, which has benefitted from four months of consecutive jobs growth, the continued rise in new opportunities helped it to a 74% rise against the same period last year.
Wages however are not rising. Salaries remain unchanged, with wages at the same level as this time last year and 4% lower that when the index started in December 2009.
“Importantly, this is the first time we have seen growth across every sector and in every region since we started the index at the end of 2009, which is good news for businesses and people around the country,” said James Reed, chairman of reed.co.uk.
“As we approach a new year, business, government and industry commentators will be keeping a close eye on employment figures as a sign of what 2014 may bring, particularly in light of the fact that any interest rate rises will be informed by unemployment levels. However, despite a record month for employment, we’re still a long way from celebrating a successful recovery as salaries remain unaffected.”
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