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

- Bank of Ireland Limerick Job index -

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

This is mainly due to seasonal factors as the Christmas period approaches. Overall demand for labour has remained high over the last six months, since June, just over 6,000 recruitment advertisements have been placed in the regional newspapers in Limerick. It is evident from the Job Index that the retail sector has been one of the key drivers of the economy in Limerick over this period, accounting for one fifth of all job advertisements. This is followed closely by the leisure sector and professional sector. This trend is repeated in other key sectors across the country including Waterford, Galway and Cork.

In total in November, 685 job advertisements were placed in the local newspapers in Limerick. There were declines across a number of sectors including the manufacturing (-73%), construction (-52%), professional (-68%), and leisure (-50%) sectors. Despite these reverses demand for labour still remains high particularly in the retail sector, which is as a result of retailers recruiting for the busy Christmas period, where it is expected that national consumer spending will reach €4 billion for the first time.

Commenting on the 'The Limerick Job Index' David Kennedy, Regional Business Manager Bank of Ireland West Munster said: "Over 500 new companies were formed in Limerick in the first eleven months of this year and the last six months have seen strong demand for labour across the economy in Limerick. 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 experienced by our business bankers and these sectors will continue to be key drivers of the economy in Limerick in 2006".

Monday, 12th December 2005

For Reference:

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

David Kennedy
Regional Business Manager
Bank of Ireland, West Munster,
Tel: 061 419 728

Note to Editors:

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