The average salary for an advertised job has increased for only the second time in 10 months, according to new research.

Jobs site Adzuna said the 0.6% increase in December meant the average pay on offer was £33,322.

The number of vacancies fell by 6.4% from November to 1.1 million, the first reduction since the start of last year.

Doug Monro, co-founder of Adzuna, said: "Rising advertised salaries are a strong sign of optimism for jobseekers. While wages for those in work have been rising, jobseekers have struggled to benefit recently, and the last year has seen starting salaries fall.

"December marks a real turning point, and advertised salaries may bounce back at long last over the next couple of months.

"Increasing advertised salaries reveal a returning confidence within the jobs market - for jobseekers this is fantastic news.

"October and November brought increased numbers of lower-paid positions into the jobs market, bringing down average salaries.

"These roles have been filled, resulting in a prospective salary rise for job hunters seeking new work."

Regional differences saw average advertised pay in the North East fall by 5.3% last year to under £30,000.

The biggest falls in pay were in energy, oil, legal and nursing sectors, while the largest increases were in customer services and consultancy, said the report.

Employment Minister Priti Patel said: "Employment is at an all-time high with more than half-a-million more people now in work compared to a year ago.

"With wages continuing to grow strongly - up 2% over the last year - and record numbers of job vacancies, there are a wealth of opportunities being created for people who want to get on."