Online recruitment activity rose in April, according to the latest Monster Employment Index (MEI).

The index reveals a monthly increase of 1%, and 14% on the same period last year.

Technical sectors continue to offer the most roles with engineering increasing month-on-month to 33% and IT 30%. The South-West and East Anglia registered the greatest gains in recruitment activity annually.

Isabelle Ratinaud, Monster UK & Ireland spokesperson, says: “The results from April’s MEI indicate a slight, but sustained improvement in the overall UK job market. Though public sector opportunities continue to decline in line with reduced public spending, there are many industry sectors that are demonstrating ongoing, increasing job demand.

“In particular there is a persistent upward trend in the availability of skills based jobs, especially in technical sectors such as engineering, construction and IT.”