Hiring activity is increasing as businesses prepare for the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the summer reopening.
An analysis of vacancies posted on Jobs.ie reveals that jobs increased by 20% in the first three months of this year indicating that many industries are changing gear in anticipation of the gradual easing of public health guidelines. Overall, jobs remain 25% lower than the same time last year.
The pickup in recruitment can be seen across Jobs.ie with 26 of the 45 job categories on our platform showing an increase in available roles in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the final quarter of 2020. In January, February, and Mach the categories posting the highest number of jobs were Healthcare, Managers/Supervisors and Sales.
Certain industries have proven to be immune to the impact of the pandemic, showing year and year and quarter and quarter growth including IT (290% YoY |236% QoQ ), Legal (233% YoY | 614% QoQ) and Manufacturing (125%YoY | 180% QoQ).
While the overall job vacancy figures offer some optimism, it is no surprise that industries that remain closed under current restrictions are experiencing subdued hiring activity. These industries include Pubs, Bars & Clubs (-58% QoQ), Hotels (-11% QoQ), Chef Jobs (-46%QoQ), Beauty (-29%QoQ). However, Restaurants and Catering experienced an uplift in job posting activity recording an increase of 92% compared to the previous quarter.
Commentary
Christopher Paye General Manager of Jobs.ie says;
“The Irish jobs market is steadily getting back on its feet following a turbulent 2020. Our data is encouraging, reflecting that a range of sectors are investing in their workforce and increasing their hiring activity. The 20% increase in job posting on our platform in the first quarter of this year is a tremendous testament to the energy, drive, and resilience of Irish businesses.
Of course, some sectors have been more severely impacted than others. I am thinking of hospitality in particular, but I am hopeful we will see a repeat of last summer when jobs in the industry jumped by almost 400% once the lockdown was lifted.
Looking ahead, as lockdown restrictions begin to slowly ease and the vaccine rollout continues, I would expect to see a rise in consumer spending and business growth which should all create positive outcomes for the jobs market over the next twelve months.
