Survey shows grounds for some optimism

MANY companies are hiring and performing better and more people think the economic downturn is nearly over, according to a survey.

However, despite 27% of Irish workers saying they took more annual leave due to the turbulent economic times, this was one of the lowest levels in the world.

In China 46% took extra annual leave, rising to 49% in Singapore, according to a survey conducted by Berkley recruitment.