Online recruitment dropped in the UK in September, following a moderate increase in hiring demand during August, as the Monster Employment Index declined by five points. The Index dropped to reach a level of 162 points, partly due to a decline in opportunities for the engineering sector and a sizeable drop in demand for professionals; and technicians and associate professionals. Overall, the Index is up by 30% compared to last September.

“The Monster Employment Index has fluctuated so far in 2007 but although online job demand fell in the UK in September, overall the Index has shown strong growth in the last year," said Andrea Bertone, regional director, Monster Worldwide Europe. “It is not uncommon for online recruitment to fall slightly in September – the same trend was seen in 2006.”

September’s dip in the Monster Employment Index can partly be explained by a notable decline in the engineering industry, which fell by 12 points following strong growth in July and August. This decrease was caused by a decline in job opportunities for professionals; and technicians and associate professionals. All UK regions saw a decrease in engineering opportunities, with the exception of Northern Ireland.

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