Careers and Jobs

I wrote yesterday about the great news released that PAYE workers had reclaimed 1.5bn in tax over the last 4 years BUT guess what!! Abuse and health scandals have just wiped this out. When you sit the cost of the Tribunals on top of this we are actually worse off.

So any good jobs news stories today?

FINANCIAL SERVICES – Cork was once known for its strong Pharmaceutical Sector (and GAA strikes) BUT now it seems that it is building its own little IFSC. Citco has announced that it is creating 150 new jobs. The company already employs 145 in Cork. The majority of the new roles will require 3rd level business/accountancy. Ireland is now has over 40 companies employing over 9000 staff in the funds administration sector.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) - More than half of senior technology executives are confident about the sector in 2008. Many see increases in employment in the sector. Over half believe that it is getting difficult to recruit IT staff.

Citco Fund Services (world’s largest hedge funds administrator) is planning to expand its operations in Dublin. Citco currently employ 600 staff in Ireland and they are looking for new office space which could mean another 100 staff.

With the turmoil in the jobs market many jobseekers are seeking a safe haven to weather this storm. Jobseekers want a sector that will provide stability away from the continual threat of redundancy. Construction is suffering, retail is stuttering, manufacturing on deaths door BUT is financial services the shining knight.

It’s hard to know if Financial Services is a safe bet. The stock market is in turmoil and the banking and financial sector has strong ties to the construction and housing. For example Start Mortgages announced on Friday that it is cutting its workforce by 10% which indicates that the demand for loans is slowing fast. This has a direct knock on effect for banks but also financial services providers such as insurance.

I think Financial Services will remain a pillar of the economy. Developments and announcements such as Citco Fund Services are encouraging and would indicate strength within this sector despite the uncertainty globally.