Jobs surge evident in Limerick according to Bank of Ireland's 'Limerick job Index'

Recruitment in Limerick gathered pace in September following a fall off in demand in August, according to the latest Bank of Ireland Business Banking 'Limerick Job Index' which was released today, Monday, 10th October 2005. In total, 989 recruitment advertisements were placed in the local newspapers in Limerick in September.

This represents a 10% increase over August with strong demand for labour evident across a number of sectors. The retail sector (+86%) increased sharply, indicating renewed consumer confidence in Limerick which is good news for retailers in the build up to Christmas. The leisure sector (+35%) increased sharply as did the manufacturing sector (+34%), although evidence of a longer term trend will be required before the manufacturing sector can be said to be in recovery. There were also notable gains in the financial (+13%) and the healthcare (+12%) sectors.

Despite the strong increase in demand for labour during September, there was some decline across a number of sectors. The construction sector (-30%) fell significantly while there were more modest falls in the IT / Tech (-11%) and professional (-17%) sectors. The education sector (-43%) also fell sharply which is surprising and inconsistent with other urban centres as there is usually high demand to fill teaching posts at this time of the year with schools returning after the summer break.

The high demand for labour in Limerick is consistent with both the national trend which indicates that recruitment is at a record high and with other economic centres across the country including Cork, Galway and Waterford.

Commenting on the 'The Limerick Job Index' David Kennedy, Regional Business Manager Bank of Ireland West Munster said: "The trends evident in the Limerick Job Index are consistent with the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) Quarterly National Household Survey which indicates a high demand for labour in the economy. The findings of the Job Index are welcome news for the economy in Limerick, although the strong demand for labour and lack of supply may place some constraints on growth".

10th October 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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