The Monster Employment Index UK decreased by seven points in August to reach a level of 167. This is the fifth decline in the last six months and the first time on record that the Index did not grow year-on-year, further demonstrating the marked slowdown in recruitment activity and labour demand due to the faltering economy.

As in August 2007, hiring in the hospitality and tourism; and education, training and library sectors saw the steepest declines due to seasonal dips in demand for workers. There were moderate increases in the public sector, defence, community; and healthcare, social work sectors.

- Index fell by seven points in August - the fifth dip in the last six months and the first time the Index has showed no annual growth

- The hospitality and tourism; and education, training and library sectors saw the steepest declines due to a seasonal tailing off of hiring

- There were moderate rises in the public sector, defence, community; and healthcare, social work sectors

- Demand across all occupational groups declined. Craft and related workers; and service workers and shop and market sales workers registered the sharpest falls

- Regionally, online hiring declined especially in the Midlands and Scotland. Northern Ireland remains the top annual growth region, whilst East Anglia decreased most