Online job recruitment activity across the United Kingdom fell slightly in July, but remains close to the highest levels recorded in 2006, research reported today.

According to the Monster Employment Index UK, the marginal decrease in online hiring activity during last month followed a surge in online offers observed during June. The web-based recruitment firm reported that activity dipped in July, driven by fewer opportunities for workers in sectors such as banking, finance and insurance and suggesting a summer slowdown in offers.

Meanwhile, Monster's monitoring revealed a continued increase in online job demand for workers in key sectors such as management and consulting, and telecommunications.
During July, slightly fewer offers were measured within the banking, finance and insurance; accounting, audit and taxes; and sales sectors. In contrast, demand for workers in the management and consulting, telecommunications and IT sectors rose considerably.

The South West, Wales and Scotland were found to have registered increased online demand for workers last month, with Wales revealing the strongest rate of growth. Meanwhile, online recruiting activity in London remained flat.