UK Job Openings Hit Highest Level Since Financial Crisis

UK job vacancies reached a five-year peak last month, hitting the highest levels since the 2008 financial crisis, according to Reed.co.uk, the recruitment website.

Reed.co.uk revealed that it had more than 165,000 live job opportunities on its website in October.

The recruiter's monthly index of health in the jobs market, which is compiled using data from over 150,000 vacancies advertised on Reed.co.uk, showed increased monthly and annual job creation in all 12 UK regions and across every sector of the economy.

The data also found that retail saw one of the biggest increases in vacancies, which Reed.co.uk claimed reflects renewed consumer confidence in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.

In addition, the construction sector produced a 74% increase in opportunities year-on-year.

In total, the index now stands at a record of 180, up from 166 in September and 138 at the beginning of the year.

However, the Reed.co.uk index also found salaries have remained stagnant over 2013.

"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," said James Reed, chairman of Reed.co.uk.

"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."

He added: "Despite a record month for employment, we're still a long way from celebrating a successful recovery as salaries remain unaffected."