JOB opportunities have improved, according to research today.

The latest Reed Job Index for June stood at 125 – 3% up on May and marking a return to April’s level for new job vacancies.

However, the recruitment agency‘s index showed that salaries for new jobs remained flat and now stand 2% lower than in December, 2009, for the second month running.

Demand for staff was highest in professional services and traditional industries, including accountancy, manufacturing, general insurance and engineering.

The East Midlands and East Anglia were the top regions for job creation, while demand slipped in London and the South East.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, said: “Demand for skilled, highly-qualified staff has fuelled this month’s increase.

“Despite residual concerns over the economy, opportunities for jobseekers are growing again as employers look for the talent they need to support their ambitions for the future.”