Skilled job vacancies rose 1.9 cent in December compared to November, new data show.

It was the fifth consecutive monthly increase, having previously fallen steadily since November 2007.

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) skilled vacancies index in December was 42.9 points, 25.4 per cent lower than in December 2008.

Vacancies in December rose in two of the three occupational groups monitored by the department.

Trades were up 3.4 per cent and associate professionals increased 5.0 per cent, but professionals fell by 1.2 per cent.

There were rises recorded in advertised vacancies for 10 of the 18 skilled occupations monitored, it said.

The largest monthly rise was recorded for automotive trades, up 7.7 per cent, while the largest decrease was in marketing and advertising professionals, down 5.9 per cent.

Increases in skilled vacancies were recorded for most states and territories in December, led by Tasmania with 5.1 per cent increase.

Queensland was the only state to decline, falling 0.8 per cent.Most states and territories suffered declines in the year to December, led by a 41.2 per cent drop in Queensland.

The department’s recently established internet vacancy index fell 0.8 per cent in the month of November to 78.3 points, to be 36.1 per cent lower than in November 2008.

（www.eduwo.com, Anna）