The financial services sector suffered a seasonal drop in the number of new jobs created, according to the latest Alexander Lloyd survey.
The number of new job opportunities in the sector fell by 38% below November. However the level of December's job opportunities was 7% below the December 2001 level.
Alexander Lloyd operations director Neil Quarendon said: "December is a shorter working month and tends to be less demanding on personnel requirements since Christmas and the New year are combined by many people for a longer end of year break.
"Also with the majority of businesses running a calendar accounting year, budgets may be depleted by year end and additional staff commitments delayed until the New Year."