Latest Jobs Numbers at Odds with GDP Picture

Latest Jobs Numbers at Odds with GDP Picture PR Newswire LONDON, August 6, 2012 LONDON, August 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Latest figures from the Reed Job Index paint a significantly healthier picture of the state of the UK economy than the most recent GDP numbers would indicate. The monthly measure of conditions and trends in the jobs market, the largest of its kind in the UK, shows that the number of new job opportunities in July grew by over 2.5% month on month and an impressive 13% year on year. Indeed, the majority of the nation's employment sectors (68%) are now posting significantly more jobs than last month with three quarters (74%) enjoying a more buoyant year for new positions compared with 2011. Overall, the Reed Job Index now stands at 138 compared with 134 in June and 122 this time last year. Sector-wise, the figures show that social care and energy roles fared strongly month on month, with health and medicine, motoring and automotive, and hospitality and catering showing strong year on year growth. Around the UK, the picture is equally encouraging with 10 out of 12 regions posting monthly jobs growth and all regions playing host to more jobs year on year. Interestingly, those regions among the hardest hit by the recession are faring particularly well, with opportunities up by more than 6% in the North East and over 5% in the West Midlands month on month.