Rise in number of job vacancies

The number of professional job vacancies rose by 34 per cent in February compared to the same month a year earlier, according to a new report.

The Premier Group Irish Employment monitor shows the number of vacances increased from 4,201 to 5,633.

This markes the fourth consecutive month in which there has been a rise in the number of new jobs available.

On a month-by-month basis, the number of new jobs for professionals in Ireland rose by 7 per cent from 5,282 in January to 5,633 in February. However, the number of people looking for new positions increased by 19 per cent over the same period from 12,655 to 15,060.

Overall, there were 58 per cent more professionals entering the jobs market last month as against February 2009.

The number of professional job vacancies was collated from a number of industry sectors including: banking & financial services, commerce & industry finance, Insurance, public practice & tax, legal, HR, IT, life sciences, engineering, process & manufacturing, professional services, sales & marketing, secretarial & office support and customer service.