Record level of jobs posted in FDI sectors

The third quarter of the year saw a record level of jobs posted in foreign direct investment sectors, according to the CPL Employment Market Monitor report.

More jobs were posted (2,058) at CPL in the third quarter of 2013 than in any previous quarter since early 2011. The annual increase in jobs posted was up from 31% in June to 39% in September.

Ronan Lyons, an assistant professor in economics at Trinity College Dublin, said: “It is very encouraging that the annual growth in jobs posted accelerated again between June and September. Year-on-year growth in jobs posted was 39% in the third quarter, its highest level since early 2011,” he said.

Science, engineering, and supply chain were the sectors driving the growth in job postings.

The most sought-after candidates for roles in this sector included process engineers, chemical engineers, validation scientists, and technical service scientists.

The monitor noted that businesses now believe sought-after workers can cherry pick offers and play potential employers off each other.

Not all of the research was positive, with a lot of employers still displaying a preference for hiring people who are already employed.

CPL Resources director Peter Cosgrove said this could lead to continued long-term unemployment “as it is more challenging to get a job when you are not in one currently”.