Online job opportunities across the EU slowed in August as the
Monster Employment Index Europe dropped five points to its pre-Summer
level. August saw the first decline in online hiring since January but
despite the dip, online hiring is up 17 percent since the beginning of
the year. Sectors showing the most significant declines in August
included education, training and library; and hospitality and tourism.
The Monster Employment Index Europe is a monthly analysis of millions
of online job opportunities culled from different websites across
Europe, including Monster.
Of the five key European economies that have the highest rate of
online hiring, France, the Netherlands and Sweden saw declines in job
opportunities, Germany showed no overall change and the UK saw an
increase in online hiring.
"Since the beginning of the year we've seen a significant overall
rise in online recruiting activity and the fall in August represents a
seasonal dip as hiring for the hospitality industry slowed," said Alan
Townsend, COO Monster UK & Ireland. "The growth through the first half
of this year outstripped that of last year and its continued high
level indicates that job creation remains high right across Europe,"
added Townsend.
The hospitality and tourism; and education, training and library
sectors saw the most significant downturns in August, with hospitality
showing declines mostly in Southern European countries. Meanwhile,
there was a sixth consecutive month of growth in demand for workers in
the production, manufacturing, maintenance and repair industry, as
well as a fifth month of growth for transport, post and logistics
workers.
France saw online hiring decline by six points due to a sharp
decline in the sales sector, while the Netherlands experienced a dip
of four points due to declining demand for education, training and
library workers. Sweden saw a second consecutive month of decline,
falling by 10 points as a result of fewer opportunities for workers in
the banking, finance and insurance industry.
Online recruiting in the UK edged up by two points, bouncing back
from a dip in July, driven up by significant growth in the arts,
entertainment, sports and leisure; and administrative, organisation
sectors. Demand in Germany remained flat, with the overall level of
job opportunities maintaining the same high level as recorded in July.
Opportunities in the production, manufacturing, maintenance and repair
sector continue to drive online recruitment activity in Germany,
increasing for the sixth consecutive month, while opportunities in
hospitality and tourism declined.
"The stability of the level of job demand in Germany, Europe's
largest economy, plays a big role in the continued overall high level
of the Index across Europe," added Townsend. "Heavy industries in
particular in Germany seem to be showing strong and sustained demand
for workers, despite suggestions that such industries will feel the
impact of the slowing growth across the Eurozone."
Monster Employment Index Europe data for September will be
released on October 9, 2007.
About The Monster Employment Index Europe
Launched in June 2005, the Monster Employment Index Europe is a
monthly insight into recruitment trends across the European Union. The
Index report is based on a real-time review of millions of employer
job opportunities culled from 148 job boards across Europe, including
Monster(R). The Index is audited by Research America, Inc. and
provides analyses of online job demand within occupational categories,
industry sectors and regions.
The Monster Employment Index Europe covers 24 of the 27 European
Union countries. The Index excludes Malta and Bulgaria and Romania,
which joined the EU in 2007.
There are also monthly Index reports for France, Germany, The
Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. These are available at:
http://www.monsterworldwide.com/Press_Room/MEI_EU.asp
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:MNST), parent company of
Monster(R), the premier global online employment solution for more
than a decade, strives to bring people together to advance their
lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe,
and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with
quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career
advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services,
Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers.
Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100.
To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services,
visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is
available at www.monsterworldwide.com.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information
contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties, including statements regarding Monster Worldwide,
Inc.'s strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain
factors, including factors outside of Monster Worldwide's control, may
cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the
forward- looking statements, including economic and other conditions
in the markets in which Monster Worldwide operates, risks associated
with acquisitions, competition, seasonality and the other risks
discussed in Monster Worldwide's Form 10-K/A and other filings made
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are
incorporated in this release by reference.
