The same day that unemployment rose to its highest level in nearly two decades, recruitment consultancy Reed reports, somewhat incongruously, that October saw the largest month-on-month growth in job opportunities since 2009.

Reed’s figures showed that IT vacancies – up by 16% – led the way, in line with Recruiter’s story yesterday following the release of the unemployment figures, with marketing (8%), sales (8%), accountancy (7%) and retail (8%) all reporting growth.

The data also shows a 6% rise over the month in the number of staff placed in permanent employment by 6% (and temp by 2.5%) and the number of job interviews has increased by 7%.

A spokesperson for Reed was keen to make it clear that while unemployment figures covered the period up to September, their figures covered October, so the two are not fully comparable.

Tom Lovell, group managing director of Reed, adds: “It’s encouraging to see this growth, which, if sustained, could translate into more positive data from the ONS in the coming months.”

Craig Holmes, research fellow at Oxford University’s ESRC Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE) told Recruiter: “Without knowing the specifics of Reed’s figures, it’s worth noting that more vacancies doesn’t always mean job creation.

“A growing number of vacancies could mean firms are unable to fill existing jobs as quickly as their hiring practices tighten up.

“The big question for the government is whether these private sector hires start to occur at a rate comparable to that which public sector jobs are being lost.”

Andrew Sissons, researcher at The Work Foundation, agrees that private sector growth areas are key, telling Recruiter: “It is particularly encouraging to see job opportunities in areas such as IT and accountancy, as these are the sectors most likely to drive a lasting recovery in the long term.

“However, employers in these areas sometimes complain of skills shortages despite high levels of unemployment, so there is no guarantee that jobs like these will stem the rising tide of unemployment.”