While new job numbers have fallen 3% in March, demand has continued to rise for key business services professionals across finance, general insurance and marketing, according to the latest Reed Job Index.

New vacancy numbers increased most for qualified accountants, general insurance and strategy and consultancy professionals, followed by marketing and PR, and banking staff.

The index fell 3% on February’s reading of 105 with a decline in demand for engineering, scientific and manufacturing staff. The Public Sector Reed Index figure was 79, lower than any other sector but up on February’s low of 76.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, says: “Mixed economic signals are emerging from the latest Reed Job Index. Overall demand for new staff has dropped back in March, reversing the slow but steady rise in vacancies that began at the turn of the year. While new jobs are still at a higher level than last year, across the board employers have become more cautious about committing to new recruitment.”