Munster most confident in hiring stakes

Employers in Munster are the most confident in the country, according to the Manpower Employment outlook survey.

The survey saw Munster employers record their highest level of confidence since the second quarter of 2008, with a 6% increase in hiring intention.

Nationally, the net employment outlook stands at +2%, the first increase that has been recorded since 2008.

Manpower Ireland sales director Cara O’Leary said the survey pointed to a recovery in Irish employment.

“We are seeing a noteworthy improvement in the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey figures for Q2 2014,” said Ms O’Leary.

“This is the first positive outlook since 2008 which is a very hopeful sign for Irish jobseekers.”

The sector that will drive the recovery in Irish employment is the pharmaceutical sector, according to the survey.

Despite suffering from the patent cliff, which has had a severe impact on Ireland’s gross domestic product figures, the pharmaceutical sector reported a net employment outlook of +14% for the upcoming quarter.

“Recent job announcements made by Aspen Pharma and BioMarin Manufacturing Ireland highlight employer confidence in the pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors and the opportunities that exist for people employed or previously employed in these sectors,” said Ms O’Leary.

The survey also found that the payrolls of some sectors will decline, with employers in the transport, storage, and communication sector, alongside the wholesale and retail trade sector, all reporting a negative outlook.