Online recruitment activity continued to increase in July, according to research from the Monster job board.

Monster’s UK Employment Index increased two points to 106 in July, its highest since its start in December 2004.

The index provides a monthly analysis of online job demand in the UK and is audited by ARC Research.

Plant and machine operators were highly sought after in July and trades workers such as builders were also in demand.

The strongest regional growth was in Scotland, the south-west, East Anglia and the south-east.