Fewer unfilled jobs in construction

THE number of unfilled jobs in the construction industry is at its lowest level since records began in 2002, showing no end in sight for the building industry’s slowdown.

Around 5% of firms in the building industry had vacancies last month compared to 10% in July and also a year ago.

Dwindling numbers of vacancies indicates lower demand for builders’ services as firms make jobs redundant, lay off staff or decide they cannot risk taking on more workers.

Releasing the employment figures yesterday, the Economic and Social Research Institute said the number of building firms with vacancies was the lowest since its monthly jobs survey began five years ago.

Spokeswoman Elish Kelly said the percentage of building firms with vacancies had been falling since the start of the year.

“We factor in blips for the seasons but since February there has been a downward trend in construction firms with vacancies,” she said.

The average number of construction firms with vacancies within any three-month period was also at its lowest since 2002 at about 8%, institute figures showed.

The institute said that construction sector employers remained gloomy about future employment levels with more firms expecting that they would be not taking on extra workers.

Despite the jobs gloom, construction bosses still reported difficulties in attracting employees with specific skills like quantity surveyors and managers.

Among Ireland’s chief industries, 12% of firms reported having vacancies in August compared to 17% the month before.

But like the construction business, the industrial sector, shops and service firms, all reported difficulties in recruiting staff with specific skills.

Ireland has a shortage of engineers, managers, mechanics, accountants and catering personnel, according to the institute.

In the services sector, which covers businesses like banks, the numbers of firms with unfilled jobs was 17% last month against 25% in July.

In the industrial sector, which includes manufacturing, the position was brighter with 17% of businesses reporting vacancies, up from 13% over the same period.

Just 2% of firms in the retail sector reported vacancies last month — unchanged from July — which indicates a tough time on the high street for shops.