May 2005 job creation index (JCI) figures released

Transport and distribution leads the way in job creation

Nearly 50,000 jobs were created across the UKís 21 key industries in May, falling slightly more than the corresponding month last year. This months top industries are transport and distribution and chemical and pharmaceuticals. The transport and distribution industry returns to the top of the index with a JCI of 31292.

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:

Mayís Front Runners

Transport and distribution ñ This monthís front runner is the transport and distribution sector with a massive JCI of 31292

Technology and Telecommunications ñ The job creation index proves confidence is growing in the telecomms and technology sector with a rise in employment figures in May. 2005 continues to be a strong year for this industry.

Chemicals and pharmaceuticals ñ This month the chemical industry leads as one of the key front runners with a JCI of 16338

Mayís Chasers.

Consumer goods ñ The consumer goods industry continues to drop on the job creation index. This month the JCI is ñ100.

Textiles ñ The textiles sector continues to see a decline in job creation after a poor result for the third consecutive month. This month the JCI is ñ100

Richard MacMillan, managing director of Adecco UK and Ireland said: ìWhilst weíve seen a small decline in year on year job creation, Mayís figures shows some sectors surging forward with significant vacancies. There is a real boost for the transport and distribution sector and we are working hard to fill driver and warehouse vacancies across the country.î

Ray Murphy of Mandis commented, ìThe recruitment picture for the 2005 year to date continues to be positive. The creation of over 220,000 jobs has been detected over the five month period January - May. This represents a 15% improvement over the same period in 2004 when the total was 192,000 jobs.

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.