Recruitment activity has risen by an average of 6% in the last five months, according to new research by pre-employment screening firm Powerchex.

The research also shows that the number of job offers made in the last 3 months of 2009 was 7% higher than from July to September, while the trend has continued into 2010 with an 11% rise in January, and a further 6% increase  in February.

However total job offers made in 2009 were down 38% on 2008 levels and Alexandra Kelly, director at Powerchex, warns that a feature of any slack job market is an increase in the number of jobseekers willing to embellish their CV out of desperation to land a job.

Kelly says: “It is completely understandable for many people to feel frustrated with the lack of job opportunities over the past 12 months or so, especially those who have been out of work for a while.

“However, there is no excuse for lying on a job application, or at interview. Companies are extremely aware of the potential for damage fiscally and to their reputation that comes with hiring an unsuitable or dishonest candidate.

“Many firms use specialist third-party providers to check their prospective employees before they enter a new job, and this includes obtaining employment references as well as credit and criminal record checks. Those individuals who embellish their application to land a job usually have their offer revoked as details of their deception come to light.”