November 2004 job creation index (JCI) figures released - 48,918 positions created

November sees the impact of the festive period as key sectors gear up to meet consumer demand

Over 48,900 jobs have been created across the UKís 21 key industries. This month saw the highest job creation index for the Paper, packaging and printing section with a JCI of 1263. As the Christmas season fast approaches and shoppers start to hit the high street, this sector gets ready for the increased annual demand in job creation. Preparation for the festive period is also reflected in the Retail and wholesaling sector with 6587 jobs created compared to November 2003.

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:
Novemberís Front Runners

Paper, packaging and printing ñ As the festive period approaches, this sector is gearing up for the busiest time of year with a JCI of 1263

Retailing and wholesaling ñ Adeccoís internal analysis predicted 90,000 temporary staff would be brought into this sector for the Christmas period Novemberís JCI supports this predication with 6587 more jobs created this year compared to November 2003

Textiles, leather, apparel and footwear ñ Despite this sector having a disappointing year in terms of job creation the seasonal demand created by Christmas sees a noticeable recovery with a JCI of 885

Healthcare ñ As 2004 draws to a close, this sector continues to flourish as one of the key sectors of the year with a JCI of 623. Positive job creation has made Healthcare one of the most successful in the job creation index for the last 12 months

Novemberís Chasers

Chemicals and pharmaceuticals ñ Despite the return of the cold weather this sectorís JCI has not reflected the return of the winter germs and suffers a disappointing downturn in job creation with a JCI of -90

Energy ñ November sees a decline in the JCI after a successful few months for this sector. The JCI dropped to ñ67 from last monthís positive figure of 356

Richard MacMillan, Managing Director of Adecco UK and Ireland said: ìAt this time of year we often notice a seasonal trend with the impact of Christmas on the job creation index. This year is no exception and as Adecco predicted there has been specific improvement in sectors such as Retail and wholesaling. These groups often find the run up to Christmas the busiest time of year and have prepared well by increasing the job creation. As the year comes to a close we also begin to see how well certain sectors have fared throughout 2004. However one sector that continues to thrive is Healthcare. Adecco continues to support this area and has found a continued demand for staff within Adecco branches.î

Ray Murphy of Mandis commented, Seasonality can have a remarkable impact on job creation. In November, for example, three sectors with a Christmas twist, Retailing, Leisure and Transport accounted for over 60% of new jobs compared to just 21% in January. Conversely, the Public Sector hit a low of 3.4% in November compared to an average of 14% of all jobs created for the first three months of 2004. This has important implications for people looking to change careers as well as for the recruitment industry.

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.