Specialist recruitment agency Hays Montrose has opened an office in West Street, Brighton, to meet growing demand for construction and property sector jobs.

Office manager Simon Jones said the new office had opened in response to local needs.

He expected the city's economy to grow in the next year.

He said: "Buoyant property prices in the region are encouraging more developers to build.

"The popularity of waterfront and affordable housing in the Eastbourne, Newhaven and Littlehampton areas, together with the associated amenities of schools, roads and shopping facilities, ensure the recruitment needs of the county will continue to rise."

Technical team leader Samara Abdelnoor said: "Many London-based professionals are choosing to capitalise on the growing number of career opportunities in Sussex, trading in their train tickets for an enhanced quality of life and avoiding the daily commute into London.

"The growing demand for experienced professionals has pushed salaries up by an average of ten per cent over the last year.

"Expanding companies are crying out for experienced professionals to lead their businesses forward.

"It is still a very competitive market place and we have seen a shift in employees' attitudes.

"They are choosing to move from long-term employers which are not keeping up with market trends to those who reward them with an increased salary and package."

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