FÁS expects employment figures to rise by 24,000 — then plummet

FÁS has predicted employment figures will rise by 24,000 in 2008 — before plummeting by 31,000 next year.

In its latest quarterly commentary, FÁS economist Brian McCormick said Ireland had continued to enjoy above-average job growth compared to its European counterparts, but that the worsening economic climate was about to hit home.

“Given the worsening economic outlook, we are increasingly convinced that the negative employment growth scenario envisaged previously will indeed come to pass,” said Mr McCormick.