May 2004 job creation index (JCI) figures released - 47,197 positions created

Job creation within the creative industries reaches a 15-month high with over 1000 new positions being created in May and a JCI score of 174 when compared to the same time last year, according to the June 2004 Mandis/Adecco Job Creation Index (JCI).

Building and Construction industries also continue to experience strong growth with a JCI of 75 with in excess of 4000 new positions were created in May representing a healthy increase of 75% over this time last year.

The JCI figures are determined by comparing the number of jobs created within UK industrial sectors each month with the number of jobs created for the corresponding month in the previous year. The JCI figure shows individual industry performance, measured as a percentage above or below the number of jobs created from a year ago. From these figures, the following trends have been highlighted:

Junes Front Runners

Media, advertising, marketing, publishing/arts ñ The creative industries appear to have finally shaken off its cautionary approach to the year with a JCI of 174

Building materials, construction, civil engineering ñ Continued strong market conditions saw the construction industry create 4091 positions in May, up 1756 on last year, creating a JCI of 75

Vehicles and associated equipment ñ With a JCI of 85 the automobile industry shows a positive outlook with 2395 extra jobs being created on last year

Juneís Chasers
Telecommunications and internet technologies ñ Despite jobs still being created this month within the tech sector, levels are well down on this time last year with a JCI of ñ98

Transport, travel, storage and distribution ñ With continued uncertainly around oil prices and market fluctuation, job creation has slowed dramatically within this affected sector with a JCI of ñ100

Gas, oil, electricity, coal, nuclear, water ñ With a JCI of ñ100 compared to last year, the energy sector appears to be slowing after last monthís high


Richard MacMillan, Managing Director of Adecco UK and Ireland said: ìDespite some serious external factors such as oil price fluctuations, job creation still appears strong across many industries. We have finally seen a return to form within the media, marketing and advertising sectors, with over 1000 jobs created this month, the highest level of job creation since February 2003. We are also seeing continued strong and steady growth within the construction industry, a key UK employment sector that currently accounts for 10% of the UKís Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs 1.4 million people across the country.î

Summarising the mood of employers in this monthís survey, Ray Murphy, Managing Director of Mandis Business Intelligence, commented, ìThe current climate is presenting a dilemma for lots of employers. Many are keen to recruit but are cautious about the timing, not wanting to be caught by rising interest rates and fuel price hikes. At the same time they are conscious of the business and other opportunities that will pass by if they delay too long.î

The Mandis/Adecco Job Creation Index is the ongoing monthly tracker of UK jobs created across 21 industries in the UK that enables year on year monthly comparisons. This ëliveí data is gathered via research during each month into the employment intentions of 500 leading UK organisations, providing a key, up-to-date indicator on economic performance and confidence across the sectors. The monthly study is conducted by Mandis Business Intelligence and sponsored by Adecco, the UKís largest recruiter.