THREE-QUARTERS OF Irish employers expect to increase their workforces next year, although they might have to pay more money to get those new staff.
In another positive sign for the jobless or workers whose pays were cut during the recession, over half of all employers said they were experiencing some skills shortages.
And employees are starting to feel more bullish about their futures, with nearly three-in-five reporting they expected to shift jobs in the new year.
Over half of all employees thought a pay rise would come their way in 2015 and nearly the same amount expected a bonus.
The figures come from a survey of 2,900 employers and workers from recruiters Hays Ireland, which found employees were mainly being driven to look outside their current roles because of concerns over their existing pay and a perceived lack of opportunities.
Economists have predicted the jobless rate will fall below 10% next year, but they have also warned the employment increases probably won’t come with significant pay rises yet.
Earnings have been shrinking since 2007, before the recession took hold, and the average worker took home less in 2013 than they did in 2012, although salaries in some industries like IT have bucked the trend.
Last month the unemployment rate fell to 11.1%, based on data from the Live Register, down from 12.6% for the same month in 2013.
Opportunities out there for workers now
Hayes Ireland managing director Richard Eardley said Ireland’s growing economic recovery was creating “multiple opportunities” for candidates.
“The increased availability of jobs means employees now demand more than just a decent working environment and private health insurance from employers,” he said.
Now, employees are increasingly prioritising jobs with perks that cater to a better work-life balance, like additional holiday days, in addition to an attractive salary.”
Originally published at 9.08am
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