Across Europe, there is a cautious hint of improvement, with external indicators such as business and consumer confidence reaching three year highs. The Index is beginning to mirror this sentiment as the annual growth rate for online hiring continues to accelerate. Compared to September 2009, job opportunities are now 21 percent higher and the Index is at its highest level since December 2008.

September 2010 Index Highlights:

- The Monster Employment Index Europe reported a two percent climb in online job opportunities in September; year-on-year demand was up 21 percent

- Hospitality and tourism saw the sharpest monthly uptick in worker demand among industry sectors, whilst nearly all sectors saw demand escalate compared to year-earlier levels

- Sweden and Germany exhibited the sharpest monthly increases among regions monitored by the Index; Sweden continued to report the most notable annual growth

Among industry sectors, those reliant on industrial and export activity, including production, manufacturing maintenance and repair and transport, post and logistics noted substantial rises in September. Meanwhile science and technology sectors such as engineering and IT continued to report rises. All of these sectors also exhibited robust annual growth suggesting a positive turn in business investment trends.

“The overall outlook for online job demand looks fairly positive and job seekers should be encouraged by the level of job opportunities we have seen over recent months. The rise in availability compared to levels seen in 2009 also paints an encouraging picture for the rest of the year,” commented Andrea Bertone, head of Monster Europe. “Sweden continues to register the most dramatic trends, with the annual growth well above year-earlier figures. The rise in the region is linked to substantial reinvestment and demand in technology related sectors which are key to Sweden’s recruitment heritage.”