Vacancies in buoyant IT sector increase 45%

VACANCIES in the IT sector have jumped 45% in the last year, while average salaries have risen 7% to €51,500.

This is in contrast to salaries across Ireland falling by 1.3% on average in the first quarter of 2011.

Also, more than half of IT professionals surveyed are optimistic about the Irish jobs market going forward. Almost 60% of Irish IT professionals expect the market for jobs in their sector to improve in the next year, according to recruitment firm Greythorn. Just 17% of professionals said they were expecting job losses or salary cuts before next year.

The 7% rise in IT salaries in Ireland compares with a 3% rise in Britain, while the 45% rise in job vacancies compares with a rise of 29% across professional occupations.

Senior consultant at Greythorn, Mark Gray said: “The fiscal challenges faced by Ireland mask what is in fact a strong market for IT jobs. Salaries are rising much faster than the rest of the economy. We’re finding it harder to find qualified candidates than roles for them to fill.

“During the crash, many employers put their focus on internal promotion rather than active recruitment in order to keep their heads above water. But employers are now realising failure to invest in the IT function comes with a big long-term cost.”

Mr Gray said the laws of supply and demand are pushing up salaries. He said the number of staff available is falling, as many IT professionals have left Ireland for Britain and Australia.

“Those who remain are in a strong position to move and find new roles with higher salaries. Add to that the overall growth in the market for professional jobs in Ireland and it’s clear conditions for a skilled minority are currently very good,” he said.

Earlier this month ICT Ireland said that there are more than 3,500 vacancies for IT professionals in Ireland.

Managing director of Greythorn Paul Winchester said: “Ireland is still a great place for IT firms to do business and this shows in the number of companies located here. Ireland benefits from a highly motivated and well educated workforce which is tech-savvy.”

He said nine of the top 10 global technology firms have a significant presence in Ireland, as well as the top five international software companies.

“Opportunities abound for IT workers in Ireland at the moment and the optimism generated by their latest salary rise is certainly not misplaced,” he added.