Thirdofworkers areconcerned abouttheirjobs

ONE in every three people in Wicklow are worried about their job security, according to a new report from Irish recruitment company, FRS Recruitment.

In total 33 per cent of people in Wicklow are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national average, with 46 per cent worried about their job security across the country.

The FRS Recruitment Employment Insights Survey also revealed that 60 per cent of people in Wicklow believe they would secure a new job within three months. Nationally, two out of three (66 per cent) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe.

If their current job was at risk, 87 per cent of people in Wicklow would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76 per cent. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 73 per cent of Wicklow people said they would, higher than the national average of 56 per cent.

Almost six in every 10 employees in Wicklow are expecting a wage increase in the next twelve months, with 57 per cent believing they are due a raise. This is slightly above the national average of 51 per cent.

When choosing a new job or organisation, the job itself (14 per cent) and salary (14 per cent) are the most important factors for people in Wicklow.

Speaking about the survey results, Colin Donnery, general manager of FRS Recruitment said: ‘People in Wicklow and across the country are thinking very carefully about their employment prospects in light of the pandemic. There is a lot of uncertainty out there. However, some comfort should be taken that the Irish people are considerably more optimistic about their employment prospects than they were ahead of the last recession when nationally six out of every 10 people feared for their job security.

‘It is also important to note, that even in these disrupted circumstances, there is still a bright outlook for employees. Almost six in every 10 workers in Wicklow believe they will get a wage increase over the course of the coming year, while 60 per cent believe they would find new employment within three months if they were unfortunate enough to lose their jobs. This confidence aligns with separate research we have conducted on employer attitudes, with 60 per cent saying they are currently either hiring or planning on hiring in the next six months. The jobs market is an effective canary in the coalmine when it comes to illustrating economic reality, so all of this is a positive indicator.’