The number of employment opportunities in the private sector has declined in April from March, according to data from the Reed recruitment agency.

Reed's index of vacancies fell three points, or 2%, in comparison with March, which was itself down on February.

However, demand is still up 22% from a year ago, according to Reed's analysis of vacancies at 8,000 employers.

The yearly rise is due to private sector growth, as new public sector jobs are down significantly, Reed says.

April's fall was due mainly to jobs growth in the banking and tourism sectors falling back after strong growth in February.