Pace of Recruitment in Waterford Eases in November but Overall Labour Demand Remains High

- Bank of Ireland Waterford Job index -

The pace of recruitment in Waterford eased in November, according to the latest results of the Bank of Ireland Waterford Job Index which were released today (Monday, 12th December 2005).

This is mainly due to seasonal factors as the Christmas period approaches and overall demand for labour has remained high over the last six months. Since June, just under 5,000 recruitment advertisements have been placed in the regional newspapers in Waterford. It is evident from the Job Index that the professional sector has been one of the key drivers of the economy in Waterford over this period, accounting for one fifth of all job advertisements. This is followed closely by the leisure sector and the retail sector. This trend is repeated in other key sectors across the country including Limerick, Galway and Cork.

In total in November 477 job advertisements were placed in the local newspapers in Waterford. There were declines across a number of sectors including the manufacturing (-86%), construction (-72%), professional (-62%), and leisure (-48%) sectors. Despite these reverses there were strong gains in the education (+433%) and retail (+29%) sectors. Demand for labour in the retail sector can be attributed to retailers recruiting for the busy Christmas period, where it is expected that national consumer spending will pass €4 billion for the first time.

Commenting on the 'The Waterford ob Index' Pat Cullinane, Commercial Branch Manager Bank of Ireland Waterford said: "The last six months have seen strong demand for labour across the economy in Waterford. As in the other key urban centres, the leisure, professional and retail sectors account for the most number of jobs. The buoyancy evident in these sectors is also being felt by our business bankers and these sectors will continue to be key drivers of the economy in Waterford in 2006".

Monday, 12th December 2005

For reference;

Anne Mathews
Media Relations Manager
Bank of Ireland Group
Tel: 01 6043836 / 087 2460358

Pat Cullinane
Commercial Branch Manager
Bank of Ireland Waterford
Tel: 051 -860116 or Mob, 086 8313338.

Note to Editors:

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