The number of job vacancies in Ireland decreased by 4% during the second quarter of 2019 when compared to the same period last year, according to the Q2 2019 IrishJobs.ie Jobs Index.

When compared to the previous quarter, total job vacancies fell by 2%.

The Index said the drop in vacancies was due to the uncertainty of Brexit, however there were other factors affecting hiring including near full employment and sluggish European markets.

The reductions in job ads were driven primarily by a group of knowledge-intensive sectors, particularly accounting and finance and banking, financial services, and insurance, which fell by 8% and 15% year-on-year, respectively.

Despite uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the report said the Irish economy is in an overall strong position, underpinned by high consumer expenditure, low unemployment and sustained foreign direct investment.

Meanwhile, job vacancies in the construction, architecture and property, engineering and utilities sector increased by 7% year-on-year. Hotel and catering job vacancies rose by 6% year-on-year.