Job vacancies higher in public sector

The public sector continues to provide more job opportunities than the private sector, according to a report published today by the Economic and Social Research Institute.

The report said the vacancy rate in the public service is currently at 4%, with An Garda Síochana, the Defence Forces and the health service providing the most openings.

Regional bodies such as county councils, urban district councils and tourist boards have also reported high levels of vacancies.

In the private sector, the ESRI said the vacancy rate was 3%, with one-fifth of firms reporting vacancies during 2001/2002. Construction companies had the highest vacancy rate.