Migration survey results - 3 in 4 job seekers would consider leaving Ireland

A couple of weeks ago, we surveyed 2,173 individuals from backgrounds including IT, accountancy and engineering, regarding migration from Ireland.  As promised, the key survey results are below:

• Three quarters of the professional workforce in Ireland said they would consider leaving in the next three years if the economic situation does not improve
• Over a third (35 per cent) of the survey’s respondents have left the country in the last three years for work – some to pursue an opportunity and others because they had no other option
• Some 27 per cent left for the UK, 22 per cent for another European country, 15 per cent for Australasia and 7 per cent for North America
• Three in five (62 per cent) of those who have moved away from Ireland believe the quality of life is better where they now reside
• When asked about employment prospects in Ireland, two thirds of the survey’s respondents are not confident they will improve within the next 3 years
• 81 per cent do not believe the Government’s Jobs Initiative will help improve their employment prospects

There appears to be a mismatch in the areas of employment the Irish Government are investing in and the skills that currently exist in the country. The Government's Jobs Initiative, although welcome, has not instilled confidence among professionals.

Some more stats regarding emirgation and confidence in the Irish jobs market...

• Hays conducted the same migration survey on construction workers 12 months ago and found 69 per cent were not confident the economy would improve.
• Now, in 2011, their pessimism had pushed this figure up to 76 per cent.
• Only 5 per cent of all professionals surveyed are very confident the Irish economic situation will improve within the next 3 years.

Perhaps this summer's anticipated heat wave could improve the situation. When Hays asked the emigrated professionals why they left Ireland, 14 per cent cited the weather. A desire to live in a warmer climate was particularly evident amongst accountants, 26 per cent of whom admitted climate had influenced their decision to move abroad.

The survey highlighted a disparity in the reasons people move from Ireland. As well as moving for the weather, accountancy professionals sought a better work-life balance and lifestyle.

Conversely, IT individuals were motivated to go for bigger salaries and to develop their career. For the most part, construction workers moved purely to get a job. 

The attraction of a warmer climate is always going to exist for accountants and other global qualification holders. However, it’s critical Ireland gives talented workers who have emigrated something to come back for - more jobs, competitive salaries and an improved economic situation.

Let us know what you think of these results by commenting below!