Three hundred and eighty Irish jobs were saved through examinership in the first quarter 2017. 
 
This is according to the latest Baker Tilly Hughes Blake Examinership Index. 
 
The figure is almost triple that shown in the first quarter 2016 when 138 jobs were saved, reflecting an evolving landscape where private equity funds are applying increased pressure to Irish businesses. 
 
Managing Partner at Baker Tilly Hughes Blake, Neil Hughes, today said that while it’s good news that 380 people are today employed who might otherwise not be, the fact that Irish business owners are increasingly turning to the examinership mechanism is concerning.
 
Commenting on the figures, Mr Hughes said, "The core strength of the Irish business community is its flexibility. There is a strong sense of resilience, with the companies most exposed to Brexit taking steps now to minimise its impact on their bottom line."

He added, "Business doesn’t stop because of a lack of clarity about what may or may not happen – there is an acknowledgement among Irish business owners that they need to keep moving forward. That’s the culture we need to encourage, and examinership is essential as the ‘second chance’ mechanism that’s there to protect the business should the day come when it is needed.” 
 
Source: www.businessworld.ie