The latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor found the number of new professional job opportunities in the Irish market did not fluctuate significantly from May 11 (8,283) to June 11 (8,250), but the level of jobs available in June 11 was considerably higher (46%) than for the same month last year (5,669).
There was a month-on-month increase of 8% in the number of new professional job seekers in Ireland rising from 9,120 in May 11 to 9,855 in June 11.
This was a 21% decrease when compared to the June 10 figure of 12,480.
Karen O'Flaherty, COO, Premier Group Ireland, said: "Although there was no significant fluctuation in the volume of new Irish professional job opportunities from May 11 to June 11, the hiring market continued to be considerably more buoyant than at the same time last year. In fact, the Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor registered a 46% increase in the number of new professional jobs in Q2 11, compared to Q2 10.
"Export-driven multinational and indigenous companies are still leading the way in terms of hiring activity. The agriculture sector in particular is thriving and is at the core of the country's economic recovery. Food is among Ireland's biggest exports; last week the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney announced a 13% increase in agri-food exports in the January to May 2011 period. This growth has fuelled demand from agribusinesses and companies that service this sector for professionals, in particular finance and accountancy specialists.
"Another busy jobs market and 'area to watch' as we move into the second half of the year is fund administration. A number of companies are seeking fund administration staff, some initially on a contract or temporary basis, off the back of recent business wins and/or expansion plans.
"There was a 21% decrease in the number of new professional job seekers in June 2011, compared to the same time last year. In niche areas of the market, acute candidate shortages are being felt. For example, it is currently very difficult to find suitable professionals for IT development roles, and the recruitment process can be protracted as top-tier job seekers in this sector are often 'spoilt for choice'.
"We would be very supportive of the Government expanding educational and skills-based programmes in the field of IT, in line with efforts to position Ireland as the most exciting tech hub outside of Silicon Valley. We are home to some of the world's largest technology companies, as well as countless start-ups, and as demand for IT professionals inevitably grows, it would be unfortunate to have to source IT talent from outside of Ireland.
"July and August are traditionally quieter months for recruitment, with many hiring managers and job seekers enjoying well-deserved breaks. The pace of the hiring process is consequently affected and visibility of the jobs market over this period is typically lower."
