More than 39,000 jobs were created across the UK’s 21 key industries in May 2007, down 19% on last years figure, according to The Mandis/ Adecco Job Creation Index.

The Index showed that May’s best performing sector were energy and utilities, health and social care and leisure and recreation.

The month’s poor performers were media, marketing and publishing and chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

René Schuster (pictured), Adecco chief executive UK & Ireland, says: “May 2007 appears to be a relatively quiet month, with most areas reporting a significant decline in job creation intentions. However, there were some industries that gave very promising performances and we have seen significant spites in sectors such as leisure and recreation, which are impacted by seasonal change and investment.” 

* See Recruiter 27 June for more details