75% of professionals ‘would leave’

THREE out of four professionals surveyed in Ireland said they would consider leaving in the next three years if the economy does not improve.

The survey also found that a quarter of accountants said they would move because of the weather.

The survey of 2,173 professionals, conducted by recruitment firm Hays, found that more than one-third of respondents have already left the country in the last three years for work, to pursue an opportunity or because they had no other option.

The results found 27% of respondents left for Britain, 22% for another European country, 15% for Australasia and 7% for North America. Three in five of those who have left Ireland believe the quality of life is better where they now reside.

Two-thirds of respondents are not confident that job prospects will improve within the next three years, while four in five do not believe the jobs initiative will help improve their employment prospects.

Managing director of Hays Ireland Richard Eardley said: “There appears to be a mismatch in the areas of employment our Government are investing in and the skills that currently exist in the country. The Government’s jobs initiative, although welcome, has not instilled confidence among professionals.”

Hays conducted the same survey on construction workers a year ago and found 69% were not confident the economy would improve. Now, in 2011, their pessimism had pushed this figure up to 76%.

There was little optimism across all professions surveyed, with just 5% very confident the Irish economic situation will improve within the next three years.

When asked why they left Ireland, 14% said it was due to the weather; 26% of accountants admitted climate influenced their decision to move abroad.

Accountancy professionals also sought a better work-life balance and lifestyle, while IT workers wanted bigger salaries and to develop their career. For the most part, construction workers moved purely to get a job.

“The attraction of a warmer climate is always going to exist for accountants and other global qualification holders. However, it’s critical Ireland gives talented workers who have emigrated something to come back for — more jobs, competitive salaries and an improved economic situation,” said Mr Eardley.