Irish and Spanish job markets the most active in Europe

The jobs market in Ireland remains one of the most active in Europe, with the number of jobs advertised in Q2 2015 rising by 19% year-on-year, and 4% compared to the previous quarter, according to the latest Robert Walters European Job Index. In comparison to other European countries surveyed by Robert Walters, Ireland experienced the second largest annual rise in job advertisement volumes, while Spain showed the highest growth with a year-on-year increase of 21%.

While Dublin remained the main hub for business in Ireland, professionals in cities outside the capital were also in high demand, with adverts across all sectors up 17% year-on-year. Sectors like HR, IT and secretarial and support have seen strong increases in job advertising volumes when compared to the same period last year, up 32%, 15% and 31%, respectively.

The rise in job advert volumes across Ireland is also a positive sign of economic recovery, and of a growth in business confidence. This is particularly evident by a 26% year-on-year rise in advert volumes for secretarial and support staff – an employee segment that is particularly affected by business profit and loss. Businesses grew headcount in support functions, particularly within financial services, technology and private practice law firms. There was also high demand for multilingual customer services professionals due to the volume of shared services and customer support centres in Ireland.

Louise Campbell, Managing Director Robert Walters Ireland, said: “The recruitment market has been increasingly active over the past year, and these encouraging figures reflect the trends we are experiencing. The economic recovery has led to increased confidence among candidates and businesses alike, and looking ahead, demand for professionals, which usually eases during the summer months, is expected to continue throughout the third quarter.”

Advertisements for banking and financial services professionals increased 14% year-on-year, a trend characterised by demand for commercial and product development specialists as businesses shifted their focus to boosting sales. There was a 12% year-on-year increase in job advertisements for risk professionals, with particular demand for expertise in risk analysis and reporting. Demand for sales and marketing professionals also increased 20% year-on-year as FMCG and financial services firms sought candidates with a solid understanding of customer insight and data research & analytics.

There was a 17% year-on-year increase in job advertisement volumes for accounting and finance roles which were of interest to candidates as they focused on business growth as opposed to restructuring.

Recruitment activity in the legal sector also continued to rise, with a 6% year-on-year increase in job advertisements. Senior, experienced solicitors were particularly sought-after, especially those within the field of data privacy and the related regulatory issues.

Louise Campbell concluded: “Candidate confidence has increased and businesses are working hard to retain and attract the right talent, with counter offers and retention bonuses frequently utilised. One of the biggest challenges for hiring managers is finding talent - fortunately our international network assists us in sourcing skilled Irish and foreign professionals who are looking to return home or progress their careers in what is now viewed as a much more confident and buoyant jobs market.

For more information please contact:

Anita Duignan, Marketing Administrator
Tel: +353 (0)1 673 0817
Email: anita.duignan@robertwalters.com

Suzanne Feeney, Country Manager
Tel: +353 1 673 0812
Email: suzanne.feeney@robertwalters.com