The number of employment opportunities in the UK's financial services sector rose during the quarter to October 2010, new research shows.

According to the study, 20 out of 21 of the areas of the industry it analyzed saw hiring expand during the period in question.

In addition, the same number of sectors predicted they will boost recruitment during the 12 months from November 2010 by at least 23 per cent.

The poll by eFinancialCareers also reveals back office and IT positions are expected to increase, as additional legislation is brought in to govern the industry.

James Bennett, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia Pacific managing director, said hiring activity is expected to continue during 2011, with the field "making solid recovery in terms of financial organizations wanting to expand their work force".

Those seeking finance jobs in the UK may also be interested to learn that new regulations governing the bonuses international banks are able to pay staff have come into effect across the European Union, with scorecards now required to justify why payments have been made.

Posted by Kate Griffin