Online recruitment activity rose to its highest levels since December 2008, according to the latest Monster Employment Index.

The Index rose two points led by growth in marketing, PR and media, while Northern Ireland, London and Scotland witnessed the best annual improvement of all the regions.

Julian Acquari (pictured), managing director at Monster UK and Ireland, says: “The March Index findings show that UK online recruitment activity continues to trend higher, with the annual growth rate hitting 15%.

“We are seeing encouraging signs in online hiring trends for hard-hit sectors like marketing, while arts and healthcare have seen improvements both on the month and the year. Overall, however, the outlook for the UK economy remains cautious, with unemployment and job creation trends still tenuous.”