The UK jobs market grew further in March, continuing the upward trend seen throughout the rest of the first quarter, and resulting in 9% more job opportunities compared with the final three months of 2012.
This is according to the latest UK jobs data produced by recruiter reed.co.uk as part of its “Job index”, which highlighted the highest level of jobs growth since the index was first compiled in December 2009.
The index also found a significant majority (81%) of sectors are now stronger than they were a year ago, with just over half (51%) growing on a monthly basis. It also highlighted a 1% month-on-month increase in salaries, which brings them back to the level they were at during December 2009. However, Reed added that the general pay trend pointed to lower remuneration than 2012’s levels.
According to the index, the majority of regions across the UK offered more opportunities during March than they did in February and all except Northern Ireland are stronger than they were this time last year.
Monthly growth in London fell in March by just over 1%, although London is still offering 8% more opportunities overall compared with 2012.
James Reed, chairman of reed.co.uk, said: “Commentators could be forgiven for expecting the jobs market to fall back slightly after taking such a significant and encouraging upward turn in February, but our March figures show there has been a clear and continuing trend for growth throughout the first quarter of 2013.
“There has been a very significant 10% increase in the number of jobs available compared with this time last year. The employment allowance announced in the Budget is an additional fillip that will hopefully encourage still more employers to hire.”
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