Large rise in jobs advertised online

THE number of jobs advertised online in Ireland has risen by 28% in the last year, a survey revealed yesterday.

The Online Employment Index, compiled by recruitment website IrishJobs.ie, showed there were 79,657 jobs available online in July 2005, compared to 62,348 in August last year.

The past three months saw a 3% rise on the previous quarter, but July’s figures were slightly down on June, when a total of 80,464 jobs were advertised on Ireland’s five main recruitment websites.

IrishJobs.ie chief executive Maria Mahon said contrary to expectations, June and July had been the busiest months of the year to date.

“Despite a traditional slowing down in the recruitment market during the summer months, the latest index has shown that, in fact, demand for talent amongst Ireland’s employers is stronger than ever.

“With the market this busy now, I anticipate another surge in the autumn, which is the traditional time for recruitment,” she said.

Jobseekers in the Dublin area had the most options, according to the survey, which found that 72% of positions advertised were in Dublin. However, Munster was gaining ground with a 65% increase in jobs available in the region.