Employer demand for new UK workers remained unchanged in June compared to May, according to the latest Reed Job Index.

The Index posted a reading of 103 with job demand rising to its highest level since the Index began in several sectors, including media, digital and creative, sales and pre-qualified accountancy staff, while demand also rose for financial services and general insurance jobs.

Demand fell in marketing & PR and strategy & consultancy and the charity & voluntary sector, while public sector demand also fell.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, says:  “The UK jobs market seems to have held its breath in June. Yes, there’s been change beneath the steady headline figures, with new green shoots

visible across the economy alongside areas where demand has edged down.

“There are enough signs of emerging optimism to support the government’s hopes that  - especially now the Budget and all the distractions of the World Cup and Wimbledon are behind us - the private sector will begin to accelerate job creation. However on these figures, it is too early to call.”