Bank of Ireland Business Banking's Job Index has recorded the highest-ever number of jobs advertised in the national daily and Sunday newspapers in January, according to figures published yesterday.

The number of jobs advertised in January 2004 was 19,606, as against the previous highest level recorded in February 2003 (18,946). The tracking commenced in April 2002.

The number of jobs advertised in January was up 3 per cent on the same period last year.

The most striking gain was recorded in the manufacturing sector (up 210 per cent), where recruitment more than doubled. Other increases showed continued growth in the professional (plus 24 per cent), construction (up 7 per cent) and retail sectors (plus 7 per cent).

The IT/tech sector is down compared with the previous year (minus 26 per cent). Other sectors showing a downturn on January 2003 are leisure (minus 5 per cent) and financial (down 54 per cent).

"The findings of our job index are particularly positive as it is now a proven indicator of future activity in the market," said Mr Tom Comerford, director, Bank of Ireland Business Banking.