The employment market remained steady in August though average salaries for new jobs slipped, a new survey from the recruitment firm Reed shows.

The overall jobs index stayed at 102 in August slightly above the figure of 100 that represents a base for the scale. But average annual salaries for new jobs slipped by £200 to £31,700.

The index for public sector jobs plunged to 57, but other sectors such as financial services stayed above 100.

'Traditionally, the UK job market is quiet in August,' said Reed managing director Martin Warnes.

'Against this background the fact that the Reed job index has held steady over the holiday season, even though public sector jobs continue to decline, is quietly encouraging news for the economy as a whole.'

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