Level of new job vacancies falls by 72%

THE level of new job vacancies fell by as much as 72%, year-on-year, in August, despite a small monthly increase, according to new figures.

The latest monthly employment monitor by recruitment consultants Premier Group showed the level of vacancies/job availability in the job market here grew by 5% in August, compared with July. However, this monthly rise was the second lowest so far this year and August’s year-on-year decline was the second highest annualised decline since the survey was established in April of last year. The year-on-year vacancy decline was most pronounced in July, when a 75% dip was evident.

Premier Group managing director in Ireland Brian Murphy said the medium term vacancy outlook remains poor. “Despite a month-on-month increase in new professional job numbers in August, the hiring market was – and is – extremely contracted, particularly when compared with a year ago. Now that the holiday season is over, we hope there will be some improvement in the employment market in the next month.