MANY companies are hiring and performing better and more people think the economic downturn is nearly over, according to a survey.

ONE in three firms surveyed say they are hiring right now, with three quarters believing the worst of the economic downturn is over.

MORE than half of Irish people surveyed would emigrate if they lost their job – well below the level in other countries.

JOBSEEKERS are being targeted by scam online recruitment firms seeking payment for their services.

ONE-in-three workers expect a pay rise next year as employees become less worried about job security, believing the worst of the recession is over.

SOUTH AFRICA’S largest private electricity supplier is to invest €2 million in the opening of a base in Cork, which could eventually create up to 60 jobs.

TWO out of three Irish business people have said the credit crunch would affect their company negatively this year.

ALMOST three out of four Irish workers would accept a pay freeze if the Government took action to halt price increases on all goods and services.