14% rise in Jobs in Northern Ireland in first quarter of 2017

There has been a 14 per cent rise in jobs across the north in first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year. A new quarterly report from online recruiter NIJobs.com shows the local job market has experienced growth across key performing sectors which include; accountancy and finance, engineering and hospitality – recording an 11 per cent increase year on year.

Accountancy jobs have risen by 50 per cent in the first three months of 2017, and the figures also show a 35 per cent increase in demand for HR professionals and engineers. In Belfast there has been a nine per cent rise in jobs for the first three months of this year.

The report is great news for Northern Ireland overall according to General manager of NIJobs.com Sam McIlveen
“From January to March jobs for accountants doubled. There was also good news for HR professionals with jobs increasing by 35 per cent whilst jobs in production, manufacturing and materials are up 30 per cent,” he said.
“The increase in jobs for HR professionals is a very positive sign for the year ahead. When companies hire HR professionals it indicates plans for investment, growth and job creation.”

“Employment sector trends are usually a good barometer of the economy. When jobs for beauticians and hairdressers increase it indicates people have more money in their pocket to spend on non-essentials.We’ve also seen a steady rise in jobs in the hospitality sector. This is likely due to the increase of staycations for locals and visitors from across the border due to strong currency rates,” Mr McIlveen added.

Data on jobs posted online by 600 companies across Northern Ireland in 30 industry sectors is analysed by NIJobs.com and is used to base report released each quarter.