LinkedIn flags 100 job vacancies in Irish unit

Professional networking company LinkedIn has said it remains fully committed to growing in Ireland, despite the impact of US corporate tax cuts, and has 104 job vacancies at its two Dublin offices, writes Geoff Percival

“We have significantly invested in Ireland; it’s our second largest operation outside of the US and the only place in which we own property and land. We’re committed to Ireland, we have growth plans and it’s business as usual,” said Sharon McCooey, the head of the company’s operations here.

LinkedIn currently employs 1,200 employees here and has invested $70m in the last two years, the main result of which was the opening of a second facility in central Dublin, last year, adjacent to its initial office.

LinkedIn Ireland’s unlimited status means it doesn’t divulge its accounts or how much corporation tax it pays the State.

However, Ms McCooey suggested the US’ largest corporation tax rate cuts in three decades would not hamper the company’s investment plans for Ireland, from where it services 55 countries.

She was speaking on the back of LinkedIn launching a return-to-work programme - initially resulting in 10 new jobs - for career break people. The ‘Returnin’ programme is largely aimed at those who left the workforce to look after family members and includes a mentoring programme and a home-help allowance. Ms McCooey said the thinking behind the programme was based on a need for skilled workers and the desire for the company to build a diverse workforce, in terms of ages and family experience.

The announcement coincides with European economic commissioner Pierre Moscovici suggesting growth in the eurozone economy will last well into 2019; and strong manufacturing figures showing ongoing Irish economic growth.