Threats to Ireland's labour market looming large
31 August 2012
The stunning transformation of Ireland's labour market over the past 20 years could be thwarted if the republic's government fails to control the growth of wages and tackle the problem of excessive em
The stunning transformation of Ireland's labour market over the past 20 years could be thwarted if the republic's government fails to control the growth of wages and tackle the problem of excessive employment regulations.
Peter Keenan of Irish recruitment company the Parc Group, which has been established for 32 years and operates in 32 countries, warned delegates that a number of factors threaten the economic success reaped by Ireland over the past two decades.
Such factors include skills shortages, investment that is being shifted to Asia and Eastern Europe, and a decline in construction.
"People with their heads in the sand need to be lifted out, bolt upright," Keenan said on 17 May. "These threats are looming and are very real."
The Republic of Ireland's workforce grew from 1.3m in 1986 to 2.154 in 2006, while its population grew by 700,000, from 3.5m to 4.2m. The total number employed within the country increased from 1.08m in 1986 to 2.067m in 2006.
Non-Irish nationals made up just 1.7% of the workforce there in 1986, but last year that percentage had grown to 10%.
In spite of the threats to Ireland's economy, the bedding-down of the peace process in Northern Ireland should increase trade between the North and South, and result in the emergence of a 'Northern Tiger', Keenan went on to say. "A troubled economy can be turned around," he said.
To keep Ireland's economy strong, it will be essential to retain the low taxes that have enticed business and investment into the country, he emphasised.
Peter Keenan of Irish recruitment company the Parc Group, which has been established for 32 years and operates in 32 countries, warned delegates that a number of factors threaten the economic success reaped by Ireland over the past two decades.
Such factors include skills shortages, investment that is being shifted to Asia and Eastern Europe, and a decline in construction.
"People with their heads in the sand need to be lifted out, bolt upright," Keenan said on 17 May. "These threats are looming and are very real."
The Republic of Ireland's workforce grew from 1.3m in 1986 to 2.154 in 2006, while its population grew by 700,000, from 3.5m to 4.2m. The total number employed within the country increased from 1.08m in 1986 to 2.067m in 2006.
Non-Irish nationals made up just 1.7% of the workforce there in 1986, but last year that percentage had grown to 10%.
In spite of the threats to Ireland's economy, the bedding-down of the peace process in Northern Ireland should increase trade between the North and South, and result in the emergence of a 'Northern Tiger', Keenan went on to say. "A troubled economy can be turned around," he said.
To keep Ireland's economy strong, it will be essential to retain the low taxes that have enticed business and investment into the country, he emphasised.
