Employer demand for new UK workers slipped down three index points to 122 in July from June, according to the Reed Job Index.

New job demand dropped in several sectors, including accountancy, financial services and customer services, while banking jobs continued their decline from their peak in February. Demand for new public sector staff remained flat, close to half its level when the Index began.

The retail job index, however, reached its highest point since the Index began, along with a rising demand for leisure and tourism staff. Indications of future economic growth were seen across IT & telecoms, motoring & automotive, purchasing, transport & logistics, construction and human resources.

Overall, the year-on-year employer demand has risen by 20 points compared to July last year, and the Reed Salary Index reading has gone up by one point to 99, with salaries increasing most significantly in the areas of accountancy, hospitality and catering, and sales.