Monster Employment Index UK Declines in January

Index Shows Fewer Online Job opportunities for Professionals, Technicians and Associate Professionals

Increased Demand in Hospitality and Tourism Sector Deviates from Seasonal Trend

Scotland Registers Strong Growth in Online Job Availability

Online recruitment activity and related employment opportunities across the United Kingdom declined in January as the Monster Employment Index fell by eight points to 121, ending a three-month upward trend seen in the fourth quarter of 2006. Most of the industry sectors and occupational categories tracked by the Index registered declines in online job availability last month. The Indexís decline last month was similar, but less significant, than the seasonal pause measured in January of 2006 and the Index remains 20 points higher year ñon-year.

The Index showed sharply reduced online job demand for white-collar workers in January. The largest drop was reported in the technicians and associate professionals category. Plant and machine operators and assemblers was the only occupational category where demand increased. Hospitality and Tourism was the biggest industry sector to see an increase in the number of vacancies.

The South West showed the largest regional decrease last month, plunging 19 points. In contrast, online opportunities in Scotland soared, pushing the region to its highest level to date. Wales also continues to show strong employment growth.

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