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“People in 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. It is also important to note, that even in these disrupted circumstances, there is still a bright outlook for employees. 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 for the country’s employment outlook. It is also interesting to note how the pandemic has impacted ways of working, with both employees and employers being strongly in favour of remote working options being available. Both businesses and workers have seen the benefits that can arise from remote working as part of day to day operations, with most recognising that productivity levels have not diminished. Given the demand for remote working around the country, businesses will have to consider offering this as part of their employee packages in future,” Colin Donnery, General Manager of FRS Recruitment

Read below to see your counties results and how they compare to the national average:

Carlow

27% of people in Carlow are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

64% of people in Carlow believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 82% of people in Carlow would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 36% of Carlow people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Six in every 10 employees in Carlow are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 59% believing they are due a raise. This is above the national average of 51%. 

While three out of four people in Carlow (75%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the salary on offer (24%) and benefits (24%) are the most important factors for people in Carlow.   

Clare

36% of people in Clare are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure significantly below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

45% of people in Clare believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 86% of people in Clare would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 41% of Clare people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Almost 6 out of 10 Clare people are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 57% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly above the national average of 51%. 

While 2 out of every 3 people in Clare (67%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

Cork

36% of people in Cork are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure significantly below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

70% of people in Cork believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 74% of people in Cork would consider a reduction in their working week. This is lower than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 50% of Cork people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

One in every two Cork people are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 50% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While more than 8 out of 10 people in Cork (85%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the most important factor for people in Cork is the job itself (36%) followed by salary (20%). 

Dublin

50% of people in Dublin are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

79% of people in Dublin believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 70% of people in Dublin would consider a reduction in their working week. This is slightly lower than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 57% of Dublin people said they would, slightly higher than the national average of 56%. 

Six in every 10 employees in Dublin are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 60% believing they are due a raise. This is above the national average of 51%. 

While more than 8 out of every 10 people in Dublin (84%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (27%) and the company’s culture and values (21%) are the most important factors for people in Dublin.   

Galway

44% of people in Galway are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

63% of people in Galway believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 84% of people in Galway would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 66% of Galway people said they would, higher than the national average of 56%. 

Almost one in every two employees in Galway are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 44% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While more than 2 out of every 3 people in Galway (67%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the most important factor for people in Galway is the job itself (50%) followed by the company’s reputation (18%). 

Kerry

55% of people in Kerry are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

55% of people in Kerry believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 79% of people in Kerry would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 52% of Kerry people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Almost one in every two employees in Kerry are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 45% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While more than 7 out of every 10 people in Kerry (73%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the most important factor for people in Kerry is the job itself (29%) followed by the company’s culture and values (13%).   

Kildare

30% of people in Kildare are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

65% of people in Kildare believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 73% of people in Kildare would consider a reduction in their working week. This is lower than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 54% of Kildare people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Almost one in every two employees in Kildare are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 49% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While more than 8 out of every 10 people in Kildare (86%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the company’s culture and values (22%), followed by the job itself (19%) are the most important factors for people in Kildare.   

Kilkenny

73% of people in Kilkenny are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

70% of people in Kilkenny believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 83% of people in Kilkenny would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 50% of Kilkenny people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Four in every 10 employees in Kilkenny are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 40% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While almost 8 out of every 10 people in Kilkenny (78%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the salary on offer (28%) and the job itself (28%) are the most important factors for people in Kilkenny. 

Laois

50% of people in Laois are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

58% of people in Laois believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 81% of people in Laois would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 50% of Laois people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Almost six in every 10 employees in Laois are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 58% believing they are due a raise. This is above the national average of 51%. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (29%) and benefits (17%) are the most important factors for people in Laois. 

Limerick

49% of people in Limerick are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

63% of people in Limerick believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 78% of people in Limerick would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 57% of Limerick people said they would, higher than the national average of 56%. 

One in every two employees in Limerick are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 50% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While over 9 out of every 10 people in Limerick (92%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (40%) and salary (15%) are the most important factors for people in Limerick. 

Mayo

42% of people in Mayo are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national figure with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

42% of people in Mayo believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 67% of people in Mayo would consider a reduction in their working week. This is lower than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 33% of Mayo people said they would, also lower than the national average of 56%. 

One in every three employees in Mayo are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 33% believing they are due a raise.

While 1 in every 2 people in Mayo (50%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (33%) and benefits (25%) are the most important factors for people in Mayo. 

Meath

30% of people in Meath are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

63% of people in Meath believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 77% of people in Meath would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 43% of Meath people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

Four in every 10 employees in Meath are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 40% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While almost 6 out of every 10 people in Meath (58%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (31%) and salary (17%) are the most important factors for people in Meath.   

Offaly

One in every two people in Offaly are worried about their job security, according to a new report from Irish recruitment company, FRS Recruitment. In total 49% of people in Offaly are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

61% of people in Offaly believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 78% of people in Offaly would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 37% of Offaly people said they would, lower than the national average of 56%. 

More than one in every three employees in Offaly are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 35% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While over 8 out of every 10 people in Offaly (86%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (22%) is the most important factor for people in Offaly.   

Tipperary

35% of people in Tipperary are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

73% of people in Tipperary believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 81% of people in Tipperary would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 54% of Tipperary people said they would, slightly lower than the national average of 56%. 

More than four in every 10 employees in Tipperary are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 41% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While almost 8 out of every 10 people in Tipperary (79%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (46%) and salary (11%) are the most important factors for people in Tipperary.   

Waterford

47% of people in Waterford are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

47% of people in Waterford believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 78% of people in Waterford would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 59% of Waterford people said they would, slightly higher than the national average of 56%. 

More than three in every 10 employees in Waterford are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 31% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While 9 out of every 10 people in Waterford (90%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, salary (21%) and the job itself (18%) are the most important factors for people in Waterford. 

Westmeath

36% of people in Westmeath are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure below the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

59% of people in Westmeath believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 86% of people in Westmeath would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 55% of Westmeath people said they would, slightly lower than the national average of 56%. 

More than four in every 10 employees in Westmeath are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 45% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While almost 9 out of every 10 people in Westmeath (89%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (45%) is the most important factor for people in Westmeath. 

Wexford

64% of people in Wexford are concerned about their employment prospects, a figure above the national average with 46% worried about their job security across the country. 

86% of people in Wexford believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

If their current job was at risk, 86% of people in Wexford would consider a reduction in their working week. This is higher than the national average of 76%. When asked if they would consider a pay cut in those circumstances, 59% of Wexford people said they would, slightly higher than the national average of 56%. 

One in every two employees in Wexford are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 50% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly below the national average of 51%. 

While eight out of every 10 people in Wexford (80%) would like to remote work some or all of the time. 

When choosing a new job/ organisation, the job itself (40%) and salary (15%) are the most important factors for people in Wexford.   

Wicklow

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

60% of people in Wicklow believe they would secure a new job within 3 months. Nationally 2 out of 3 (66%) would expect to secure a new role within that timeframe. 

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

Almost six in every 10 employees in Wicklow are expecting a wage increase in the next 12 months, with 57% believing they are due a raise. This is slightly above the national average of 51%. 

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

A total of 1,951 people across the country participated in the survey. We have 10 offices nationwide, with locations in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Tipperary, Limerick, Kerry, Kilkenny, Offaly, Cavan and Roscommon.

Want to know the full results? Click HERE to read.