UK online hiring grew for the first time in two months, according to the UK Monster Employment Index.

The index rose by two points to 181, due to a rise in hiring in the healthcare, social work sector of 28 points. The banking, finance, insurance industry continued to decline with a fall of 23 points

Hugo Sellert, head of economic research, Monster Worldwide, said: “Despite the rise in the UK Index in May, annual growth rate is at its lowest level in over a year – largely due to reduced hiring in the finance and retail sectors. With the UK economy expanding at its slowest pace in three years in the first quarter of 2008, it is not surprising that employers are cautious about adding staff right now. Still, the Index remains significantly higher than last year, suggesting that more companies choose to advertise their vacancies online.”