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Irish jobs market reaches 20-year high, as office re-entry drives unprecedented levels of recruitment activity

Sigmar Recruitment today reports a record high number of job placements over April, May, and June 2021. The number of placements during this period is higher than any other quarter in the recruitment company’s 20-year history. Current figures are up 6% on the previous record set in 2019 before the pandemic. As one of the largest recruiters in Ireland, Sigmar has offices across the country and is present in all professional sectors. The first half of the year saw strong, consistent growth with job placements breaking all records in the month of May, with June accounting for the second-highest month ever. Commenting on the rebound of the labour market, Sigmar founding Director, Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig says: “The jobs market in Ireland has never been stronger or more buoyant than it currently is. We’re seeing several macro trends converge all at once, which is creating significant churn in the market. Remote working has literally opened up a world of new opportunities no longer bound by location. This is coupled with a rising tide of consumer confidence, as many professionals find themselves in a stronger financial position than before the pandemic. “The last 18 months has asked big questions of us all, and the humdrum of lockdown has created a desire for change which is now resulting in unprecedented numbers of people moving jobs. Employee loyalty is increasingly under question, with remote work being less enjoyable, many workers are now committed to the experience of work over the employer, adding further to the current levels of churn.” IT accounted for one-third of all job placements throughout the quarter, followed in order by Financial Services, Sales & Marketing, Accountancy, Life Science & Manufacturing, Office Support, Public Sector, Construction, Professional Services. Business confidence has also grown steadily over the course of the year, as vaccination gathered momentum. The “low-touch economy” is booming is sectors such as e-commerce, digital, and logistics. Says Mac Giolla Phádraig: “The resurgence of permanent recruitment is somewhat unique to how we’ve rebounded from previous downturns, where we typically saw flexible work return quicker.” Although the vast majority of job placement in Q2 were understandably remote, Sigmar reports that the tide is beginning to change with the majority of employers now committing to hybrid work over the coming three months. Mac Giolla Phádraig advises: “As we now choose our workplaces, at a time when the power dynamic has shifted to the employee, employers need to ensure adequate work practices to reconnect the workforce with the workplace equitably. There is an inherent risk that new workforce inequities may emerge, such as “proximity bias”, where those closest to the centre of influence get greater recognition and therefore promotion opportunities as opposed to remote workers. When it comes to individual contribution the opposite could be argued that remote workers get the benefit of having less in-office distractions and their output is therefore greater.” Mac Giolla Phádraig likens remote work to long-distance relationships, which in many cases don’t work out. “We’ve gone from “living” with our employees in an office environment to long-distance relationships, which often sees commitment recede over time. The context of location also opens up new experiences and possibilities, which are now being explored on a scale never before seen.” He adds, “if we thought the war for talent was tough, just wait for the battle of attrition. It’s now emerging as the number one challenge for businesses across the globe.”

Working & Living In Ireland

Relocating to a different country for a job can be both exciting and terrifying. To make your move successful, preparation is vital. If you’re thinking of moving to Ireland, you’re probably asking yourself the following questions: How is the housing market? How do I get a PPS number? How do I to set up a bank account? How do I set up taxes? What transport is available? What is it like to livein Ireland? We have devised a list of what you need to know about moving to Ireland… Accommodation You can look for private rented accommodation through local newspapers, real estate agencies or websites for example: www.daft.ie, www.let.ie, https://www.myhome.ie/rentals. The quality of rental accommodation can vary so you should view the property before making any tenancy agreement. It is common for people who have not met before to rent a house together and to share the costs of the house, including gas, telephone and electricity bills. You usually pay rent monthly, in advance. An initial deposit of one or two months’ rent is also required. PPS Number A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is a unique reference number for all dealings with public service in Ireland that helps you access social welfare benefits, public services and information. You can apply for your PPS number at your local Social Welfare Office. http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Personal-Public-Service-Number-Registration-Centres-by-Count.aspx You must be already living in Ireland in order to apply for a PPS Number. You will be asked to produce documentary evidence of identity and residence in Ireland. Different documentary evidence will be required, depending on your nationality. To get a PPS Number, you will need to fill out an application form and provide proof of your identity. If you are not Irish, you will need to produce the following documents: Your passport/national identity card or immigration card Evidence of your address, such as a household bill. This should be the first thing you do when you move to Ireland because you will need it to work and set up a bank account. Taxes There are two rates of tax in Ireland: 20% on the first €34,550 earned 40% on the remainder of your salary You will also pay PRSI and the Universal Social Charge on your income. This social insurance contribution goes towards providing State Social and Health Services. You will pay 4% on all your income in PRSI. The Universal Social Charge (USC) is a tax that has replaced both the income levy and the health levy (also known as the health contribution). Rates for 2018 are; Income up to €12,012 - 0.5% Between €12,012 and €19,372 - 2% Between €19,372 and €70,044 - 4.75% Above €70,044 - 8% Bank Account Setting up a bank account in Ireland is often something that is overlooked in the excitement of relocating. Many employers will prefer to pay into an Irish bank account and setting up an Irish bank account can be stressful if you don’t get yourself organised. Things you will need: Proof of Address (Utility bill or Lease Agreement) Proof of ID PPS Number Once you have moved to Ireland and have the above information, choose one of Ireland’ many banks e.g. AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB or Ulster Bank and set up your account straight away. Living in Ireland Weather Thanks to the moderating effect of the Atlantic Gulf Stream, Ireland’s climate is relatively mild for its latitude, with a mean annual temperature of around 10°C. The temperature drops below freezing only intermittently during winter, and snow is scarce – perhaps one or two brief flurries a year. The coldest months are January and February, when daily temperatures range from 4° to 8°C, with 7°C the average. In summer, temperatures during the day are a comfortable 15° to 20°C. Healthcare Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to free public hospital services but may have to pay in-patient and out-patient hospital charges. You are also entitled to subsidised prescribed drugs and medicines and maternity and infant care services and you may be entitled to free or subsidised community care and personal social services. Social Clubs There is a wide range of social clubs in Ireland catering for all interests. Sport in particular is a hugely popular pastime in Ireland. Some of the most popular sports in Ireland include Gaelic Games, Soccer and Rugby. Below are resources that provide details of clubs and societies throughout Ireland. Localclubsireland.com - directory of sporting clubs throughout Ireland Meetup.com - lists group meetings in cities around the world to help bring people with common interests together and promote the development of active local communities. Search groups of whatever your interest is in Ireland all over the country. Newcomers Club Worldwide - worldwide directory of newcomers clubs for newly arrived expatriates, including Ireland. Transport Rail Service: Iarnród Éireann, is responsible for operating rail services in Ireland. The company operates passenger rail services nationwide and provides commuter rail services, including the DART service in Dublin and the Arrow service from Dublin to Kildare. Bus: Bus Éireann provides various bus services on a network of routes throughout Ireland. It operates intercity coach services and provides commuter services for major cities. City and town bus services are also provided, together with a local bus service throughout the country. For further information on these services, routes and fares see www.buseireann.ie Driving If you have a driving licence issued by an EU/EEA member state you can drive in Ireland as long as your existing licence is valid. It is possible to exchange a driving licence issued by an EU member state or an EEA member state (Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland) for an Irish driving licence. It is also possible to exchange a driving licence issued by certain recognised states for an Irish driving licence. If you are the holder of a driving licence issued by a country that is not recognised for driving licence exchange, you cannot exchange your licence for an Irish licence. You will only get an Irish driving licence after you have gone through the full driver licensing procedure (see www.rsa.ie for further information). For further information, view our Working & Living Guides: Working and Living in Ireland Working and Living in Dublin Working and Living in Cork Working and Living in Athlone Working and Living in Galway Working and Living in Limerick Working and Living in Sligo Working and Living in Waterford