January 2006 job creation index figures released - 30,713 positions created

Over 30,000 jobs were created across the UKís 21 key industries in January. In total the overall job creation is down compared to January 2005 with 12,538 less jobs created but despite this overall downturn, a number of key sectors have demonstrated promising growth. Consumer goods and manufacturing is at the top of the index this month with an overall JCI of 902. This is closely followed by the technology sector that is set to be a strong sector for growth in 2006.

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:

Januaryís Front Runners
Consumer goods manufacturing ñ This month the consumer goods industry rises to the top of the index with a positive JCI of 902

Technology ñ Following on from the success in December, the technology sector continues to recruit steadily in January with the JCI at 463

Leisure and recreation ñ New Yearís resolutions to get fit may have impacted the increase in job creation for this sector. After a steady downturn in 2005 this month the JCI rises to 265

Januaryís Chasers
Insurance and pensions ñ January sees a downturn in job creation for the insurance and pensions sector. This month the JCI drops to ñ99

Food and drink ñ Seasonal fluctuations impact job creation in a number of industries. After the Christmas period, the food and drink industry has seen a downturn in job creation with the JCI dropping to -95

Neil Jones, Adecco Sales & Marketing Director of Adecco UK and Ireland said: ìThis month the figures from Mandis indicates a general downturn in job creation. Despite this slow start to 2006 we are confident that as the year progresses we will see a number of sectors recruiting steadily.î

Nicholas Eggington, operations manager of Mandis commented, ìJanuary 2006 sees a much more subdued start to the year than 2005 with reported job creation dropping by 30 per cent. This month’s quieter areas include pensions, public sector and transport while consumer good manufacturing, technology and leisure, though still not showing impressive numbers, have had a more positive start to the year.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 a representative sample of over 500 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.