Online job demand rose in December, according to the latest Monster Employment Index.

The index rose by 11% year-on-year in December, though still down on the 22% growth rate posted in September 2010.

Year-on-year growth was witnessed in transport, post and logistics, and IT, while the public sector, defence and community sectors, meanwhile, saw the most significant annual decline, closely followed by hospitality and tourism.

A Monster UK & Ireland spokesperson said: “There is a clear improvement in the state of the UK job market in comparison to where we were in 2009, with the Monster Employment Index recording a consistent increase in overall online job opportunities.

“Though this upward trend continues, the pace of increase has slowed in recent months. This could possibly be attributed to the severe cold snap in December, which has had a particular impact on recruitment activity in sectors such as hospitality & tourism and sales.

“Having said that, a slowdown in opportunities was apparent before the snow fall, suggesting that employers are playing on the safe side and waiting to see how 2011 unfolds before they start a new wave of recruitment.”