Employer demand for UK workers fell by one point in July, according to the latest Reed Job Index.

The index posted a reading of 102 but salaries for new jobs held steady, according to the Reed Salary Index which gave reading of 95 for the third month in a row.  

However, some sectors bucked the trend with demand reaching records Index highs for general insurance, charity and voluntary, pre-qualified accountancy and manufacturing staff.   

However, the public sector Index reached a record low of 63.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, says: “Employers are still a little nervous about just how sustainable economic recovery will prove to be, according to the Reed Job Index’s downwards slip in July. At the same time however, some key job sectors bucked the trend, with demand for new staff in these areas rising to their highest level since the Index began.

“The increase in manufacturing sector demand is particularly significant, with rises to record levels also seen for general insurance, accountancy and charity staff.   

“Clearly while demand in the public sector falls back other areas are preparing for future growth, even though it is difficult to predict how robust this will to be over the rest of the summer.”