Mixed day for jobseekers as 360 posts created but 116 axed
There was mixed news on the employment front yesterday with 360 new jobs announced around the country.
But this was offset by the loss of 116 jobs.
In Cork yesterday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen insisted Ireland was showing encouraging signs of economic recovery as he unveiled 160 graduate-level positions.
Mr Cowen confirmed the new jobs for VoxPro, a Cork-based outsourcing specialist, with the investment resulting in VoxPro more than doubling the existing workforce at their Blackrock operation.
The workforce expansion was triggered by a significant increase in outsourcing contracts secured by the firm nationwide.
"Ireland's future economic prosperity will be export-led," Mr Cowen said.
"It is critically important that we develop a strong cohort of export-focused companies to fuel growth and be at the forefront of Ireland's smart economy," he added.
In Dublin, more than 1,500 jobseekers packed into the first four hours of a jobs fair offering 200 new positions.
Six companies based in East Point office park showcased the vacant positions at the event, which was organised by the park's management, The Earlsfort Group.
Companies Oracle, Conduit, Citrix, Quintiles, Peninsula and Ergo were on hand to talk about requirements for roles in areas such as IT and telecommunications.
Restructuring
However, the Abbey Theatre announced that 25 jobs would be lost after unions accepted a restructuring deal.
The redundancies result from various factors, including a cutback in grants to the national theatre.
In Co Cavan, building materials firm Kingspan announced it was laying off 91 production and engineering staff. The company, which employees 131, said the 91 would be placed on protective notice on April 30.
- Ralph Riegel and Ken Sweeney
Irish Independent
