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The list of the ten fast growing jobs in the UK makes for interesting if a little depressing reading. During the last two years, the numbers of paramedics has more then doubled. I assume we must have had an even greater need for them. Given that they often take patients to A and E departments, this would go some way to explaining the current pressure on A and E which I have seen at first hand recently. Staying in healthcare, the number of psychologists has risen over 50% in two years as the effects of the cutbacks come to fruition and more and more people struggle to cope. That said, the profession in third place shows that there is always room for a fertile imagination. Graphic designers are seemingly in great demand with a 47% rise over the same period. A similar rise in the number of Company Secretaries is great news because it implies growth in the private sector. It is growth in this sector which will ultimately get the country back on its feet again. The next place on the list is a bit of a fudge. The numbers of police support officers has risen by 47% while the numbers of police officers has fallen by 11%. Having said that, we are told that crime is going down so it might be that this represents a better use of public money. Undertakers occupy the next spot to prove that some professions will always be in demand. Ambulance staff have halved as the numbers of paramedics increases. Plasterers and pipe fitters are in reduced demand which does not augur well for our future supply of tradesmen. It is refreshing to see that both the numbers of car parking attendants and debt collection bailiffs have both fallen. This suggests that debt is being managed better in the UK and maybe that people are using their cars less. It is sad to see no manufacturing jobs on the increase because this will ultimately drive the economy. While some healthcare jobs seem in great demand, it is only because of increased strain on a health service which is bulging at the edges. I think though that we will all be relieved to see that debt collectors and traffic wardens are on the wane - never exactly the most exalted members of society.