Monster Employment Index Europe: Bottom?

• The Monster Employment Index Europe rose by nine points or eight percent in February, as online recruitment activity edged up for the first time since July, reflecting a typical seasonal pattern seen during February.

• The Index reported a negative annual growth rate for the fourth consecutive month, falling short of year-ago levels by 50 points, or 30 percent.

• Most key European markets – including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK – saw more online recruitment activity; the Netherlands saw a slight decline.

• Industry sectors reporting strong upswings in online recruitment activity included marketing, PR and media; healthcare and social work; hospitality and tourism; and environment, architecture and urbanism.

• All occupational groups saw increased online recruitment activity throughout February, with skilled agricultural and fishery workers; and service and sales workers registering the steepest rises.

MP: Online recruitment is still down from a year ago, but could this improvement in February signal a bottom?