JOB hunters received a much-needed boost with the revelation that more professional vacancies are open now than at any time since October 2008 as firms increase hiring in niche areas.

January saw the highest number of professional job vacancies in more than two years, according to new figures released by recruitment firm Morgan McKinley.

A survey has found that 42.8% of managers were planning to hire new staff.

A survey by recruitment consultants Morgan McKinley has found that 46% of managers feel more positive about the outlook for the Irish economy in 2011, compared to the same time last year.

IRISH job vacancy levels increased by 44% – on a year-on-year basis – in October, but fell by 6% when measured against September’s levels, according to a new report.

The number of new professional jobs created in October was the second highest in two years, according to a new survey.

JOB availability improved to its best level for two years last month, with the number of vacancies rising by 40% year on year and by 26% on August’s level.

MORE jobs are coming on the market and managers are increasingly confident about their businesses, according to two separate reports.

PROFESSIONAL job opportunities rose by 38% in June compared with last year.

PROFESSIONAL job vacancies soared by 15% to 4,896 in March compared with a year earlier with a rise in demand noticed for recently qualified accountants and sales staff.

THERE was a 12% rise in the number of new job vacancies last month compared with January last year.