The number of new professional jobs created in Ireland fell for a sixth month in a row, according to the latest Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor.

The Monitor reveals:

• a 3% fall in available professional jobs in September, down from 7,767 to 7,500
• a 12% increase in the number of new roles on the same time last year from 6,674 in September 2010
• a fall of 8% in available roles over Q3 2011 compared to Q2 2011– the first consecutive quarterly decrease registered since the 11% fall from Q2 2009 to Q3 2009.
• The number of professionals entering the jobs market in September 2011 fell by 8% from August 2011

Chief operations officer Karen O’Flaherty says: “It’s disappointing to see a continuation of the downward trend in job opportunities in September 2011; however it is very much indicative of the current economic climate.

“Hiring and business activity remain challenged as instability in the financial markets and Eurozone debt issues continue to impact the global economy, causing uncertainty among employers. Despite the drop in job opportunities in September, employers are hiring cautiously in specific and niche roles and functions.

“The market for technical roles is relatively buoyant with talent sought in areas such as R&D and medical devices. This is in part due to the role played by the IDA [Irish government-funded organisation] in attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland reflected by multinational organisations doing the bulk of hiring across most industry sectors.

“Job opportunities within financial services generally have decreased; turmoil in global banking has obviously affected this sector. Top tier accountancy firms are starting to anticipate growth by increasing their level of graduate recruitment, which is a positive indicator for the year ahead.

“The drop in candidates entering the market in September may suggest that jobseekers are slightly more wary when it comes to changing or seeking a new position. Expedient and significant decision making over the European debt crisis will be welcome to ensure a degree of stability and go some way to improving the outlook for the end of the year and into 2012.”