Index shows recruitment at an all-time high

RECRUITMENT is at an all-time high, according to new research by Bank of Ireland Business Banking.

The bank’s latest job index survey found the level of recruitment advertising in September was at its highest since the series began in March 2002.

Almost 22,000 job ads were placed in the national press during the month.

Recruitment activity in the education sector was 50% higher than in the same month in 2004, the bank said.

Manufacturing recruitment also bounced back after a difficult period, with a 46% year-on-year increase, while ads for professional jobs were running 35% higher.

Bank of Ireland head of business banking Vincent Fennelly said there was a high demand for labour outside the Dublin area, with a notable rise in recruitment activity in Waterford thanks to new investments there by financial services and biotechnology firms.

Cork also saw a strong increase in activity, with 10% more ads for jobs in the area.

Limerick saw a 10% increase, while Galway was 32% ahead.

Almost 7,000 job ads were placed in local press in Cork during the month.