The deterioration of the European Union's (EU) labor market has moderated in recent months, according to the European Commission.

The region's executive body published its monthly employment monitor for February, which revealed that jobs continued to decline in most member states in the third quarter of 2009, but at a slower rate than previous months.

However, the report did disclose that economic growth returned to the EU in the remainder of 2009 - emerging from recession to record a 0.3 per cent rise in gross domestic product.

The region's average unemployment rate reached 9.6 per cent in December, which is equivalent to around 23 million people and was the smallest monthly rise recorded since mid-2008.

Looking ahead, the labor market study suggested that the recruitment outlook for 2010 is more optimistic, with improved sentiment recorded in both consumer and employer polls.

Earlier this month, the human resource consultancy Antal published an international survey, which disclosed that professional employment opportunities are growing around the world.