Professional job vacancies up 18 per cent in Q3

THE NUMBER OF job opportunities available for professional workers increased by 18 per cent last month on the same period last year, according to newly released data.

There was a 6 per cent increase in the number of professional jobs available from July to September compared to the same period in 2011, according to the latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor.

However, a slight fall in job opportunities (-2 per cent) was noted from Q2 2012 compared to Q3 2012.

Monthly job data showed that September 2012 saw a month-on-month rise of 13 per cent in professional job vacancies – while job seeker data showed an 8 per cent decrease in the number of professionals entering the jobs market month-on-month.

Compared to September 11, there was a decrease (1 per cent) in the volume of new professional job seekers.

With regard to new professional job seekers entering the market between September last year, the number remained fairly stable rising 1 per cent from 10,105 to 10,225.

Karen O’Flaherty, Chief Operations Officer at Morgan McKinley, said while the overall picture was one of steady improvement across the market, there was still “no room for complacency” about jobs market recovery.

He said the increase in the number of the vacancies could be attributed to a number of factors “such as the uplift in start up businesses, increased foreign direct investment as well as sectors such as IT, manufacturing and life sciences”.

“From a job seekers’ perspective, we are aware that many professionals are engaging in a less active and more passive job hunt illustrated in the decrease in jobseekers entering the market compared to the same time last year, with a very minimal increase on August 12,” he said. “Also, with the domestic and European economies remaining fluid, emigration is still an attractive option for some and is likely to contribute to a smaller amount of jobseekers actively seeking new opportunities in Ireland.

“Due to the protracted growth forecast from the Central Bank, we can expect modest hiring activity from now until year end. Job offers are likely to be much more considered and we anticipate lengthier decision making processes with regard to permanent hiring.”

http://businessetc.thejournal.ie/professional-job-vacancies-up-18-per-cent-in-q3-630564-Oct2012/