Survey shows hiring 'green shoots' for Irish companies

New job opportunities for professionals in Ireland were up 26% in February compared to the same month last year, according to a new survey.

The latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor reported that professional vacancies however decreased marginally, down 2% to 7,100 from 7,250

There was also a dip in professionals beginning their job searches in February, decreasing 3% from 6,595 to 6,380 month-on-month. Compared to February 10, when 15,060 professionals entered the jobs market, there was a 58% decrease.

“Professional job opportunities saw a small month-on-month decline in February," said

Karen O'Flaherty, Chief Operations Officer, Premier Group Ireland.

"However the 26% year-on-year increase in job vacancies suggests that business confidence – which we have seen return in certain niche areas over the past year – is now starting to improve across all sectors in the professional jobs market. "

Ms O'Flaherty said the increase appeared to come from companies that had essentially frozen hiring since the downturn and which were starting to recruit again, albeit modestly.

"For example, legal, marketing and HR roles are once again coming onto the market from indigenous companies, as anticipated last month," she said.

"After an extremely challenging few years, we are also seeing a revival in hiring from SMEs.

"The formation of the new coalition Government will signify a new start for many of these companies, and will hopefully lead to a more stable and visible business landscape."