An index which tracks the volume of vacancies advertised online in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since records began in August 2000.

The Alljobs Online Recruitment Index monitors 10 major online job boards* and it shows that the volume of advertised vacancies currently stands at only a third of where it was at its all-time peak in August 2007. Compared with its level only 12 months ago, the Index has plummeted by almost 60%.

The fall is a dramatic reflection of the current serious difficulties in the recruitment sector. Having enjoyed years of continuous growth, and record highs, the Index is now at its all time lowest figure for this time of year. Modest growth in January has been matched with 11 straight weeks of falls from late February to April.

* CV-Library, Fish4jobs, Jobserve, The IT Job Board, Jobsite, Jobsearch, Monster, Reed, Totaljobs, Just Engineers.