Non-nationals fill 45,000 jobs in nine months

NON-IRISH workers filled almost half the 96,200 jobs created in Ireland in the first nine months of last year.

One-in-five jobs in the hotel and restaurant sector is now occupied by a non-national.

In research published yesterday, AIB chief economist John Beggs said the public was concerned about the influx leading to reduced wages and deteriorating working conditions.

There was “prima facie evidence” that there “could be some displacement of Irish workers by non-nationals”, Mr Beggs said. However, the displacement case remained unproven.

A total of 45,000 jobs were filled by non-nationals between January and September last year.

The AIB Global Treasury Economic Research study found the number of Irish workers employed in the manufacturing, hotel and agricultural sectors fell as non-national employment in those areas increased.

The study shows there are 159,300 non-Irish nationals working here, 8% of the 1.98 million currently employed. In the third quarter of 2005, 6.3% of non-national workers were unemployed, against the national average of 4.6%.

The AIB study, Here to Stay, states that by the very nature of the intensity of international competition, it is very likely some non-nationals have displaced Irish workers as companies seek to remain competitive.

“However, statistics are not available so it is difficult to ascertain the scale on which it may be happening,” Mr Beggs said.

“It could also be argued jobs would have been lost but for the substitution of lower paid non-nationals. However, it does not excuse the exploitation of non-nationals.”

Meanwhile, a National Economic and Social Forum survey found while higher immigration could boost labour force growth in the short term, it may become increasingly difficult to attract and integrate greater numbers of migrants.