A survey from the Ireland France Chamber of Commerce (IFCC) shows that the majority of its members are planning to recruit this year, while half have already increased staff numbers in the past three months to meet demand.
Figures from the third quarterly IFCC Business Sentiment Index show that its members are planning for growth in 2013, with 62pc planning to recruit in next three months.
IFCC is Ireland’s third-largest bilateral trade organisation representing 150 member companies operating in Ireland, which range from small to large-sized businesses across the financial, IT, manufacturing, healthcare, pharma, retail and professional services sectors. Members include Air France KLM, BNP Paribas, LK Shields Solicitors, O’Callaghan Hotels, Renault Ireland, Sanofi-Aventis and Servier.
Between them, IFCC’s members employ up to 30,000 people and the vast majority of members (92pc) report that business activity either remained constant or increased during the last quarter of 2012, while 90pc saw business revenues increase or remain the same.
While these companies see these figures as positive signs for economic recovery, they don’t expect a turnaround to happen overnight. More than one-third expect it will take up to three years, 53pc say up to two years, and just 6pc reckon it will happen within the year. Those surveyed believe that the IT, agri-food, and travel, hospitality and tourism sectors are most likely to recover first, while just 3pc expect a turnaround in the construction sector.
“While the journey is expected to stretch out for another two years, it is reassuring that investment for growth is back on the agenda for IFCC members,” said Gerry Halpenny, president of the Ireland France Chamber of Commerce and partner with LK Shields.
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