The Monster U.S. employment index’s May reading of 143 was down two points from the April reading but remained nine points above its May 2010 level, Monster Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: MWW) reported today.

“There has been considerable escalation in recruitment activity during 2011 with online job demand reaching the highest reading for the month of May in the index since 2008,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “We are currently seeing growth in private sector recruitment, with demand for professionals in healthcare, social services and business-related occupations rising; however government-related recruitment continues to lag.”

The index is based on a review of online job ads taken from a selection of websites.