Jobs market 'better than last year'

The UK jobs market remains significantly healthier than a year ago despite a fall in growth last month, according to research.

Job opportunities increased by 11% in September compared with the same month last year, recruitment firm Reed said.

Over half of the employment sectors are offering more jobs than last year, with several continuing to enjoy impressive month-on-month growth, including those in training, charity and voluntary and social care.

Martin Warnes, managing director at reed.co.uk, said: "While the number of new positions being offered slowed slightly in September, the wider picture is one of a steadying jobs market with a number of encouraging trends.

"The numbers continue to significantly outperform last year and in a number of regions that were among the hardest hit by the recession, the prospects for jobseekers are far rosier than they were this time last year.

"While the prospects for employment are improved, salaries on offer have slipped back, with more part-time, temporary and freelance jobs affecting the overall picture."