Employment levels in Europe could improve after the latest data revealed a rise in productivity during April, driven up by particularly strong performance in the automotive industry.

The sector expanded over the period in question, rising from 56.6 in March to 56.8 the following month, with any figure above 50 demonstrating growth, according to the purchasing managers' index (PMI).

Published by Markit Economics, the figures support the output PMI for Eurozone manufacturing in April, which rose at its fastest rate for almost a decade to stand at 57.6.

It was boosted from 56.6 in March by record climbs in Germany and Austria, with higher output also recorded in France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain.

Manufacturing productivity was up for the 12th month in a row during April, with an acceleration in the pace of growth, which could assist those seeking engineering jobs in Europe.

Over the same period, the sector's labor market started to stabilize, with growth in Germany and Austria.

Posted by Lee Thrace