Employer demand for new UK workers was maintained in August, according to the latest Reed Job Index.

The index held steady with a reading of 122, unchanged from the previous month, but 20% up year-on-year.

Salaries for new jobs were down two points in August compared to July at 97. 

There was increased demand for qualified accountants and purchasing professionals to administrative, marketing, media, digital and creative staff but demand fell away for financial services, retail, public sector and manufacturing staff.

Demand rose in London, the North-East, Yorkshire & Humberside, the West Midlands, and Scotland and Northern Ireland but remained flat in the South-East. Falls were experienced in East Anglia, the East Midlands, the North-West and the South-West of England.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, says: “Even though the jobs market is flat, our figures indicate that there are a fifth more new jobs available now than there were 12 months ago.

“Employers are able to attract the people they need and are investing in the future with skilled staff such as qualified accountants, purchasing professionals and marketers.”