Irish professional job opportunities up 46% in Q2, says report

However, the level of professional job opportunities available in June 11 was considerably higher (46%) than for the same month last year (5,669), according to figures released today.

The latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor also found that there was a month-on-month increase of 8% in the number of new professional job seekers in Ireland, rising from 9,120 in May 11 to 9,855 in June 11. This was a 21% decrease when compared to the June 10 figure of 12,480.

The number of new professional job opportunities in the Irish market did not fluctuate significantly from May 11 (8,283) to June 11 (8,250).

"Although there was no significant fluctuation in the volume of new Irish professional job opportunities from May 11 to June 11, the hiring market continued to be considerably more buoyant than at the same time last year" said Karen O’Flaherty, chief operations officer, Premier Group Ireland.

"In fact, the Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor registered a 46% increase in the number of new professional jobs in Q2 11, compared to Q2 10.

"Export-driven multinational and indigenous companies are still leading the way in terms of hiring activity.

"The agriculture sector in particular is thriving and is at the core of the country’s economic recovery.

"Another busy jobs market and ‘area to watch’ as we move into the second half of the year is fund administration. A number of companies are seeking fund administration staff, some initially on a contract or temporary basis, off the back of recent business wins and/or expansion plans.

"There was a 21% decrease in the number of new professional job seekers in June 11, compared to the same time last year. In niche areas of the market, acute candidate shortages are being felt.

"July and August are traditionally quieter months for recruitment, with many hiring managers and job seekers enjoying well deserved breaks. The pace of the hiring process is consequently affected and visibility of the jobs market over this period is typically lower."