Survey reveals little salary growth in 2007

This year was characterised by more restrained salary growth in Ireland, according to Premier Group’s 2008 Salary Guide, released today.

Driven by strong levels of activity, sectors such as accountancy and office support saw above-average wage growth.

However, salary demands in parts of the construction and banking sectors softened in response to the slowdown in domestic construction and the prevailing uncertainty in international financial markets.

Brian Murphy, Managing Director Ireland, Premier Group, said: "Overall, the Irish recruitment market has remained buoyant throughout 2007, despite talk of an economic downturn. Salaries have remained reasonably stable, although there has been upward pressure where supply of workers is particularly tight.

"Looking ahead, we remain very confident in the buoyancy of the recruitment market for 2008, however there is a definite air of uncertainty that may impact the pace and volume of hiring decisions."

"Across our core markets of financial recruitment, office support recruitment, IT recruitment and technical recruitment, we expect to see different pressures with some sectors showing above-average growth in 2008. Overall we expect recruitment to slow in the first half of 2008, but to pick up again in the second half. This should reflect improved interest rates and stamp duty changes as recently announced."

"We also expect the trend to continue for companies within Dublin city centre to relocate or expand their operations out of the city centre, into suburban areas where candidates seeking reduced commuting options are in good supply."