Job vacancies for HR roles fell sharply last month, suggesting overall demand for recruiting personnel remains weak, according to Monster.

Monster's Employment Index shows online employment opportunities across the UK dipped by 2% in September, as job demand dropped slightly for the second straight month.

But, despite the fall, online hiring has remained flat since the turn of the year. The overall European Index also dipped 3% in August and fell by 37% since last year.

September also saw a decrease in hiring activity in public sector, defence and community. There was reduced availability in education, training, library, healthcare and social work. And declines were also seen in IT and engineering, indicating that the technology sector continues to be hit by the economic slowdown.

By contrast, demand for workers in sales increased, suggesting retailers are more optimistic amidst the recovery in consumer confidence.

Hugo Sellert, head of economic research at Monster Worldwide, said: "Hiring among UK companies remains worryingly stagnant. As long as the macroeconomic outlook is uncertain, companies will remain reticent about hiring workers, which in itself could slow the actual recovery."

"Despite sharp drops in hiring in the public sector and among technology companies in September, there is some cause for optimism in the broader business sector. Recruiting increased in the third quarter for areas such as sales, management and office and administrative support."