PROFESSIONAL JOB vacancies in the Irish economy evaporated last month, as the seasonal slowdown in hiring led to a 16 per cent drop in job openings compared to June, according to figures from Premier Group recruitment firm.

The number of professional jobs available in the Irish market is down 75 per cent on July 2008, the company’s figures suggest.

Premier Group said there was evidence that professional workers who are currently employed were starting to look around for new roles, but were choosing to stay in their existing jobs. Although the summer months, particularly July and August, are traditionally quieter for recruitment due to the summer holidays, the decline in hiring volumes has been exacerbated by the recession.

“Despite the low job figures, there does seem to have been a slight improvement in employers’ commitment to the hiring process,” said Premier Group managing director Brian Murphy.

Workers remained nervous of switching jobs, Mr Murphy added.

There has been a 48 per cent year-on-year drop in the number of professional job candidates actively seeking a new role, he said.