UK Online Recruitment Expands in October, Private Sector Still Hurting

The latest edition of the Monster Employment Index UK , which provides monthly insight into online recruitment trends, was published earlier today.

• The index rose to 114 in October, a 7 point increase on September’s 107 but still down 29% year-on-year from 161 in October 2008.
• Online job availability rose in eight out of the nine regions in October, with Wales leading with a 21 point (12%) jump to 195 from September’s 174 as job activity increased for the first time in five months. Increases were also seen in Scotland (up 9%), South West (up 8%) and North England (up 7%). However, all regions fell year-on-year.
• Northern Ireland was the only region to edge lower in the Index, losing 1 point, 1%, as demand fell for the third straight month.
• The Midlands showed the largest annual rate of decline, falling by 36%, due to decreasing hiring in construction and extraction; environment, architecture and urbanism; and engineering.
• Online hiring increased in the majority of sectors, led by strong growth in Education, up 22% on the month to 281, Hospitality and Tourism, up 14% on the month to 141, and Public Sector, Defence, Community, up 13% on the month to 114.
• Year-over-Year only three sectors are up. Notably they also strongly tied to the public sector. Education, Training and Library is up over 29% to 281 from 217 in October 2008. Healthcare and Social Work is up 29% to 329 from 255 a year ago. Public Sector, Defense and Community is up 6% to 114 from 108 a year previously.
• Professionals was the worst-performing occupational group on a year-on-year basis. Despite a modest rise in October to 107, from September’s 103, the group is still down 38% from the 171 recorded in October 2008. The decline Reflects a contraction in the job market for highly-skilled and often highly-paid professional workers. In contrast, demand has held up well for technicians and associate professionals, suggesting employers are hiring lower-level professionals in order to control labour costs.

Commenting on the latest figures, Hugo Sellert, head of economic research at Monster Worldwide, said,

“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.

“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”.

Release: Monster Worldwide Employment Index UK October 2009 [PDF].

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