One in four construction jobs remain vacant, report finds

Around a quarter of construction jobs are vacant according to a new report.

A recent study, carried out by talent services company Morgan McKinley, also found professional job vacancies were reduced by 17% in the last three months of 2022, when compared with the previous three months.

Figures show new job opportunities coming to market in December were down 8% compared to December 2021, while the number of vacancies in November last year was up 38% on the year before.

The recruitment firm also found an overall increase of 5.4% in people looking for a new job at the end of last year.

Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director, Morgan McKinley Ireland, said there will be a big focus on recruiting in the construction sector this year.

"We would hope to see an influx of talent coming from other areas. There are early indicators that some of the European projects of a trickle of talent coming back to Ireland, which is really welcome," Ms Keevans said. 

Flexibility continues to be a top priority for job hunters, according to the recruitment company, with remote working for 2 to 3 days a week becoming an average offer by employers.

The housing crisis and rising cost of living are having an impact on hiring new talent, Ms Keevans said.

Some companies are also having difficulty hiring newly qualified staff due to a lack of affordable housing.