Online Employment Index Falls in January

New York, NY, January 31, 2008--The Monster Employment Index fell nine points in January, extending a three-month downward trend and indicating further moderation in U.S. online recruitment activity.

Similar to December, nearly all of the 20 industries and 23 occupational categories tracked by the index registered lower online job availability in January. In fact, only one industry category and one occupational category edged up slightly.

As a result of the January findings, the index's year-over-year growth rate is now down eight points, or nearly five percent, the first annual decline on record.

"The Index's decline in January was likely due to aspects of seasonality that continued over from the previous month as well as a slowing U.S. economy," said Jesse Harriott, vice president of research at Monster Worldwide.

"The swift, recent actions by the Federal Reserve and White House to enact fiscal and monetary measures designed to stimulate the broader economy are encouraging signs that could help reassure employers and consumers that an economic downturn may be brief."

Online demand in mining increased while all other industry categories declined. Job availability declined in all nine regions.