European online hiring activity fell sharply in August, with all key markets showing lower levels of job offerings. The Netherlands registered the sharpest dip among the monitored markets in August, posting its steepest monthly fall on record. Italy and Sweden also showed sharp declines, while France, the UK, Belgium and Germany reported milder decreases.

Annual growth remained highest in Italy and Germany, while Belgium and the Netherlands saw the steepest year-on-year declines among key markets. France continued to show moderate long-term growth. Online job demand was flat in the UK compared to a year ago.

The Monster Employment Index Europe dropped eight points in August as online recruitment activity and related job opportunities fell across all major European markets

- The Netherlands reported the steepest monthly fall among the key markets, while France, Germany, Italy and the UK reported more moderate declines

- The Index returned to its lowest level since January, following three straight months of growth. Still, the Index remains up 16 points, or 11 percent, from a year ago

- Hospitality and tourism; and agriculture, fishing and forestry reported the greatest declines among industry sectors, as hiring fell back from earlier summer peaks

- These sectors contributed to lower demand for skilled agricultural and fishery workers; and service, shop and market sales workers