The Morgan McKinley Irish Employment Monitor for January 2012 has shown a 39pc month-on-month increase in the number of new professional jobs, with a 28pc increase in the number of professional job opportunities when compared to the same time last year. There was also a significant increase in the number of people looking for jobs, with an increase of 70pc seeking professional careers compared to December last year.

Karen O’Flaherty, Chief Operations Officer with Morgan McKinley attributes these changes to more active job seekers at the start of the year and seasonal recruitment changes. "The fact that January 12 registered the highest number of professional job opportunities since September 08 is very positive. However, the mood from employers, specifically indigenous Irish companies, SMEs and the financial services sector remains cautious, with multinationals and the export-led sectors the most active and optimistic for the year ahead.”

To read the full Employment Monitor, click here.