IRISH PROFESSIONAL JOB opportunities have increased 1 per cent on last year, according to the latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor. However, month on month opportunities have dropped 4 per cent.

Looking at the availability of jobs on the market, it found professional job opportunities had decreased from 8,302 in June 12 to 7,953 in July 12. The amount of jobs available when compared to the same time last year (7,900) remained flat, rising by only 1 per cent.

“The minimal 1 per cent rise in new job opportunities coming onto the market from July 11 to July 12 is indicative of the flat economic market” said Karen O’Flaherty, Chief Operations Officer at Morgan McKinley.

“Newly released jobs decreased by 4 per cent when compared to last month and can be largely attributed to the holiday season and an unsurprising slow down in the pace of hiring.”

But the number of jobs available should continue to increase, she said, as a result of foreign direct investment. Life sciences and ICT were the sectors where skilled professionals would be sought.

Over 40 per cent of small firms plan to create new jobs>