Online recruitment declined sharply in November, according to a new survey.

The Index declined by nine points in November to reach a 19-month low as online job availability saw the largest monthly fall since January.

Online hiring in the arts, entertainment, sports, leisure sector recorded the biggest decline of 27 points. Job availability in East Anglia and the South West fell for the third month in a row, while  year-on-year demand fell by 44 points. Only skilled agricultural and fishery workers saw an increase, with year-on-year demand in the region rising by 28 points.

Elsewhere, a US Monster survey shows that 67% of employers are expecting no change in headcount. Only 16% anticipate an increase in their staff levels during Q1 2009, while 13% expect a reduction in their payrolls.