The latest NIJobs.com Jobs Report with Ulster Bank reflects a robust local job market despite ongoing uncertainty around Brexit and the lack of a functioning local Executive and Assembly.
The report is a good barometer for the job market highlighting general trends for both employers and employees across 32 categories.
Encouragingly, the rate of overall employment growth has demonstrated no notable signs of slowing with the annual pace of job creation running at a healthy 2% YoY.
As far as vacancies are concerned, the local market ended 2018 the way it began with strong demand from employers. The latest NIJobs.com data reveals that roles advertised by companies increased by 15% overall in the last twelve months whilst YoY figures for Q4 (2018) are positive.
The big employment winners included; Construction up 59% YoY, IT an increase of 104% YoY. Record highs were also noted in Big Data & Analytics, Science, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical and Food.
Investment in Recruitment Technology
Despite growth and positive listings for many employment categories, companies must look beyond the figures against the present backdrop of political uncertainty, says Sam McIlveen, General Manager of NIJobs.com.
“The current lack of clarity coupled with ongoing skills shortages particularly in the IT sector creates a challenge for NI firms so it is vital that companies are planning effectively whatever the Brexit outcome. Companies must continue to invest in attracting good people effectively and quickly to support their long-term business goals.
“We’re not expecting a Brexit Big Bang in April, we believe we’ll see the market adjust to the new trading arrangements with the EU and there will no doubt be winners and losers in the new dispensation.
“As a leading online recruiter, we too, are acutely aware of our crucial role in ensuring brands attract the right people. This year will see a continuation of our heavy investment in recruitment technology. Guided by sophisticated artificial intelligence, our customers’ vacancies are promoted to relevant candidates. We are expanding the traditional idea of job ‘searching’ to include job ‘matching’ and our site will have the technology to remember each candidate’s skills and experience and match them with the most suitable roles.
“There will be a number of product launches over the next twelve months all with the core objective to enhance recruitment and job hunting making the process effortless for both employers and employees.