Transport and manufacturing jobs are continuing to increase, as private sector jobs growth balances out public sector losses.

The Reed Job Index slipped three points in March, indicating that job opportunities have reduced in the past month.

The public sector is responsible for the drop, with private sector growth continuing to support the jobs market. Employer demand continued to rise in sectors such as transport and logistics, manufacturing and engineering, while the rate of new public sector jobs is now half what it was when the Reed Job Index began.

Salaries remained flat, down one percent in real terms since December 2009.