While nearly 60pc of jobseekers would relocate outside Ireland for the right job, the same percentage intend to return home within three years, a survey by Hartley People Recruitment and Training suggests.
Hartley People Recruitment and Training recently conducted a survey amongst its candidates across the southeast region to discover their views on future job prospects.
The survey revealed that respondents unwilling to travel abroad to find work are staying in Ireland mainly because of family and financial commitments.
Of the respondents who indicated they would relocate, they cited improved job and career prospects, salary incentives and better tax conditions as the main reasons to relocate.
Where would they relocate? Thirty per cent of the survey respondents would go to Australia/New Zealand, 20pc would travel anywhere to find work, 19pc would head to the UK, and 14pc would move to the US.
Roisin Hartley, director of Hartley People, said the survey was carried out to get a true “on the ground” picture of jobseekers’ views.
“Initially, when we analysed the results, it did paint a pretty bleak picture about the ‘brain-drain effect’ as so many are prepared to travel abroad to gain employment or to enhance their careers.
“The trend indicates that those who are unable to relocate due to commitments, both family and financial, are slightly older than those who are prepared to travel abroad.
“However, on the flip side, it is reassuring that 60pc intend to return home within three years,” Hartley added. “The fact that these jobseekers plan to return home re-skilled, up-skilled and prepared to contribute to the Irish economy may be a key factor in driving future growth in Ireland.
“We must remain focused on job creation in this country. Ireland has a smart, well-educated population, primed and ready to work,” Hartley said.
“Over half of the respondents in our survey are graduates and although many plan to leave, crucially, they intend to return. There are jobs abroad for those who are prepared to travel, so the Government needs to remain focused on job creation ensuring this talented and skilled workforce return and assist in rebuilding the Irish economy.”
