Jobs market 'defies economic woes'.

Britain's jobs market has defied difficult economic conditions to improve, a report has shown.

Adzuna revealed that, although pay rates are declining, there was a 4% increase in vacancies over the past six months, with almost half a million jobs being created.

This boost for jobseekers came despite Britain's struggling finances, with the country losing its AAA credit rating during that time.

Results showed that some parts of the UK actually had more vacancies than jobseekers, such as Aberdeen, Cambridge and Guildford.

In contrast, Hull was said to be the hardest city to find work in, with around 51 applicants competing per vacancy.

Most cities have seen competition for jobs easing, although there has been an increase in Slough, Brighton and London.

Adzuna added that an increase in part-time workers has seen salaries drop over the last 12 months. Wales and the North West are the lowest-paying regions, according to the findings.

Adzuna co-founder Andrew Hunter explained how the jobs market has seen a "fairly positive" start to the year and been "relatively robust" - despite the wider economic concerns.

Copyright Press Association 2013