The most recent CSO figures were released on the 4th of July and its disappointing to see June’s unemployment rate rising again; albeit marginally, to 14.9%. The long term unemployed claimants (those over 1 year) are now at just under 200,000. In a lot of ways there is a two tier jobs economy being created where those who are already working are able to get jobs and those who have found themselves unemployed are finding it harder and harder to get back into the workforce.
Ireland however, is not too dissimilar to other countries around the world. The U.K and South Africa for instance are just two countries with a widening skills gap and are both experiencing high unemployment coupled with a large number of unfilled jobs.
On a lighter note, we were delighted to welcome the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, down to our Galway office yesterday. Cpl and its Flexsource brand helped hire over 2,000 volunteers for the Volvo Ocean race which we were hugely proud of and the atmosphere in Galway was electric. It’s a city that certainly knows how to have a good time!
Finally, I came across this link last week which highlights some of the more unusual jobs out there. While these jobs may edge on the slightly bizarre, it’s interesting to note that some of the major growth areas in jobs may be in roles that didn’t exist 10 years ago – who would have thought a “Food Stylist” and a Chief Listening officer would be job titles of today.
Anne Heraty
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Well done Anne on the volunteer front. it was a great success