April 2013 figures: UK jobs market holds firm as economy shows signs of growth
Figures released for April 2013 show that the UK jobs market contracted slightly (-2%), following a record first quarter. However, April still saw a 14% rise in new job opportunities compared to the same month in 2012, with the Reed Job Index achieving 153 points.
Job demand
Overall demand for staff declined in April, with a three point fall across the UK compared to March, as the expected seasonal impact of Easter was felt. The index now stands at 153, 14% higher than April 2012 and 12% higher than the 2012 average.
This annual trend is apparent across a significant majority of sectors, with 29 of the 34 industries analysed showing positive year-on-year growth.
Salaries
Overall, the Reed Salary Index now stands at 99, compared with 100 last month. Salaries remain one percentage point lower than December 2009 when the Index first ran.
Regions
The Reed Job Index grew in 11 out of the 12 areas analysed on an annual basis. Scotland recorded the strongest year-on-year growth for the second consecutive month, followed by the North West, then the West Midlands.
April's Fast Movers
Hospitality & Catering
Demand for staff in the Hospitality & Catering sector rose by 20% between March and April to reach a Job Index of 177.
Salaries edge up in Accountancy
Only seven of the 34 sectors analysed saw salaries rise in April, with Accountancy pay rising to 103 points.
Growing demand for staff in Northern Ireland
With a 15% rise between March and April, salaries on offer in Northern Ireland increased to give a Salary Index of 124.