The number of professional job vacancies in Ireland fell by 12% in February compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Morgan McKinley Ireland Employment Monitor.

The monitor also shows that the number of professional job vacancies in February 2017 decreased 13% nationally compared to the previous month.

In the IT sector, there is a growing demand for specialised positions. With many businesses moving to digitalise their operations the biggest growth area in ICT is global cyber security, as organisations look to ensure that business and customer data is securely stored, processed and protected. 

There is also increased demand for jobs in the banking sector, professional services, as well as professional foreign language speaking professionals.

"Our monitor shows an increase in the percentage of job seekers on the market this month which could be a result of the ‘millennial effect’, with many younger professionals eager to explore new opportunities as they look to develop their skills beyond their current position outside their current organisation," Morgan McKinley Ireland, Director of Inward Investment, Trayc Keevans, said.

"We continue to monitor professionals returning from overseas as the improving job market attracts people back from the US, Canada and Australia,” Keevans said. “Given the experience and expertise many of these young professionals have gained, all initiatives and programs supporting the returning diaspora are welcomed."