The Monster Employment Index UK decreased by seven points in March, reversing the seasonal increase in online recruitment seen in February. Year-on-year, the Index was down 77 points, or 41 percent ­ the steepest annual decline on record. This drop was driven by fewer job opportunities in the legal; marketing, PR, media; and healthcare and social work sectors. By contrast, there was growth in hiring of workers in education, training and library; and production, manufacturing, maintenance.

The UK Index fell by seven points in March as online demand dropped from the seasonally-elevated level seen in February

- Year-on-year, the Index fell by 41%, or 77 points. This is the fifth straight month that the Index has fallen on a yearly basis

- In March, the dip was driven by fewer job opportunities in the legal; marketing; and healthcare sectors

- Online recruitment activity increased most for education workers and the sector showed positive year-on-year growth. Opportunities in production also grew in March

- Demand fell for most occupational groups, with skilled agricultural workers; professionals; and craft and related workers hit hardest

- The majority of UK regions suffered a decline. Scotland experienced the greatest decline; all regions saw an annual fall in demand