The Morgan McKinley Salary Survey 2012 brings good news for the economy, with more than half of Irish professionals having a positive business outlook for 2012. The results were especially positive among those in the financial and professional services, with 47pc more optimistic for the coming year and a further 11pc significantly more positive about the business climate in 2012.

The majority of respondents, 58pc, expect their salaries to remain the same over the next twelve months. Around 13pc believe their salaries will decrease by 1 to 5pc in 2012, however on a more optimistic note, 21pc predict a modest salary increase by approximately 1 to 5pc in the same time period.

Chief Operations Officer of Morgan McKinley Ireland, Karen O’Flaherty commented on the results, saying that they “point towards a slight lift in business confidence in Ireland.” She highlighted the fact that most identified the biggest human resource challenge in 2012 as attracting professionals (23pc), followed by talent retention (19pc) and skills shortages (16pc), as strange considering the current economic problems.

The survey also finds that the number of managers worried about handling redundancies in the coming year is a relatively low 4pc, bringing further positive news to jobs in Ireland.

To read the full report, click here.