Employer demand for new workers within the UK leisure and tourism sector reached "record highs" during August, according to new figures released by recruitment firm Reed.

Launched in December 2009, the Reed Job Index tracks the number of new employment opportunities available across the UK, when compared with the previous month and against a baseline figure of 100. The index showed that, although the overall reading of 102 remained at the same level as July, an increase in vacancies within the leisure and tourism sector hit their highest level - 133 - since the tracker's launch.

Martin Warnes, managing director of reed.co.uk, said: "Traditionally, the UK job market is quiet in August. Against this background, the fact that the Reed Job Index has held steady over the holiday season, even though public sector jobs continue to decline, is quietly encouraging news for the economy as a whole. "While the seasonal tourist boom and an unexpected rise in consumer confidence may have helped fuel record demand for new staff in leisure, tourism and retail, demand has also risen across broader commercial and financial sectors."