Industrial production in the European Union (EU) increased in January by 1.8 per cent compared with the previous month.

The latest figures from the 27-member bloc's Eurostat agency reveal manufacturing is improving in the area, following a climb of 0.3 per cent in December 2009.

It could be good news for those seeking engineering jobs in Europe, as the market appears to be recovering from the global economic downturn, with industrial production up year-on-year in January 2010 by 1.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, within the euro area, production rose over the month in question by 1.7 per cent to give an annual increase of 1.4 per cent.

Ireland saw the greatest lift of 15.3 per cent and the sharpest falls were in Portugal and Finland, both at -2.2 per cent.

The EU production data shows energy production was 2.2 per cent higher between December 2009 and January 2010 within the 27 member states, while manufacturing of durable consumer goods climbed 1.7 per cent and of non-durable consumer goods by 0.5 per cent.

EurActiv recently reported that industry ministers had opted during a recent meeting in Brussels to focus on jobs and sustainability as the region recovers from the financial crisis.