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More professional jobs on market in Jan

Tuesday, February 19 10:22:13

The number of new professional jobs in the market last month rose by 42pc compared to December 2012 while there was an annual rise of 4pc, the latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor shows today.

New job opportunities for professionals in Ireland increased from 6,861 in December 12 to 9,730 in January 13. This also represented a 4pc increase from the January 12 figure of 9,312.

With regard to new professional job seekers entering the Irish market, there was an increase of 62pc from 6,000 in December 2012 to 9,735 in January 2013.

The number of professionals seeking new career opportunities compared to January 2012 decreased, however, by 13pc from 11,225.

Karen O'Flaherty, Chief Operations Officer, Morgan McKinley said seasonal factor had a hand in the rise in opportunities.

"January 2013 saw a significant increase in new professional job opportunities coming onto the market compared to December 2012. It is worth noting that this rebound, although positive, is seasonally expected as January typically brings about new recruitment plans and budgets for the year ahead. A rise in professional vacancies compared to the same time last year, though modest, just 4pc, is still welcome and in line with a more upbeat sentiment than January 2012. Encouragingly economic indicators are married with a return by some sectors to pre-recession growth divisions within their businesses including human resources, research and development as well as sales and marketing. These specific vacancy types are significant as they demonstrate a return by employers to invest in areas of growth," she said.

"Another niche hiring area likely to increase throughout 2013 is the demand for professionals in risk, compliance and regulation. Senior risk advisory professionals within financial services were in high demand this month - this echoes the London financial services market and is a result of regulatory pressures that institutions are facing. We expect that with the passing of the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012, there will also be a demand for professionals with expertise in this specialisation," added Ms O'Flaherty.

"Professional job seeker figures have increased from December 2012 which is seasonal and typical of a New Year outlook by people when considering a career change and fresh opportunities. Although not included in our data, we also expect more contract and/or fixed term job opportunities to be offered within the professional hiring market. This is a trend that has continued over the last 24 months and one which is unlikely to change as employers commit to less permanent hiring and professionals become more open and flexible/considerate to the changing dynamic and uncertain business environment that organisations face."