· News

Job openings reach pre-crash levels, finds Reed

Job opportunities in the UK have risen to their highest level since recession hit in September 2008, according to figures from recruitment site Reed.

Last month Reed's website showed more than 165,000 live job opportunities, and its monthly index of health in the jobs market, showed increased monthly and annual job creation in all 12 UK regions and across every sector of the UK economy.

The figures also showed optimism reaching all industries as each of the 33 sectors listed on the index showing year-on-year growth in jobs.

Retail saw one of the biggest increases in jobs posted, which Reed claims reflect renewed consumer confidence in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.

Despite the rise in job opportunities salaries remain unchanged, with wages staying at same level as October 2012 and 4% lower than 2009.

Reed chairman James Reed said these latest figures are further evidence of the continued jobs recovery.

"Importantly, this is the first time we have seen growth across every sector and in every region since we started the index at the end of 2009, which is good news for businesses and people around the country," said Reed.

"As an economic indicator, the jobs market is demonstrating confidence from employers across the UK to hire new staff, grow their business and support a strengthening economy."