Online recruitment closed the year on a 12th-month high, according to Monster’s Employment Index for December.

The index posted a reading of 120 in the month, up four points on November and the highest this year.

Sectors that recorded increased opportunities in December were HR, manufacturing, legal and finance. However, demand for technically skilled workers in architecture, construction and engineering remained muted.

Regionally, Wales witnessed the largest upturn in demand but Scotland and London also saw improvements.

Julian Acquari, managing director at Monster UK & Ireland, (pictured) says: “Despite a still-struggling economy, UK job prospects are improving as employers slowly begin to emerge from financial crisis induced recruitment hibernation.

“Clerical and support occupations are leading the way in terms of demand recovery, suggesting companies are primarily seeking temporary staff in order to maintain workforce flexibility as long as the economic uncertainty lingers. However, the uptick in HR opportunities also suggests that more organisations are preparing to increase personnel to take advantage of opportunities presenting themselves in the wake of the downturn.”