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Jobs growth accelerates in first quarter of 2013, Reed Job Index reveals

The UK jobs market grew in March, continuing the positive growth throughout the first quarter of 2013, according to the latest job index figures from recruitment firm, Reed.

The index measures trends in the market and it now stands at an all-time high, while the salary indicator is back to its 2009 level.

The figures showed overall there were 9% more job opportunities on offer during the first quarter of the year, compared with the final three months of 2012.

A significant majority of sectors (81%) are now stronger than they were this time last year, with just over half (51%) growing on a monthly basis.

Looking around the UK, the majority of regions are offering more opportunities than they did last month and all but one are stronger than they were this time last year.

Monthly growth in the capital unexpectedly fell back in March by just over 1%, though London is still offering some 8% more opportunities now compared with last year.

The job index revealed there was once again a modest monthly increase in salaries of 1%, meaning the index has now reached parity with its starting level of 100 in December 2009.

James Reed, chairman of Reed said: "Commentators could be forgiven for expecting the jobs market to fall back slightly after taking such a significant and encouraging upward turn in February, but our March figures show there has been a clear and continuing trend for growth throughout the first quarter of 2013.

"There has been a very significant 10% increase in the number of jobs available compared with this time last year."

He added: "The employment allowance announced in the budget is an additional fillip that will hopefully encourage still more employers to hire."