Local labour market shows signs of recovery

That’s the revelation by the Ballymena branch of Grafton Recruitment.

However, Deborah Clifford, Branch Manager, said: "Despite recruitment beginning to pick up, jobseekers throughout the Ballymena area are still facing some of the toughest conditions for a decade, resulting in a 'two-speed labour market'

Deborah reports that with each job vacancy receiving an average of 40 applications, peaking as high as 70 for secretarial and PA roles, jobseekers throughout the Ballymena area face tough competition.

"A slight rise in recruitment has encouraged those in employment to have confidence to seek their next position,” she said.

“This is increasing competition for those out of employment and increasingly pitching the desperate against the ambitious in a two speed jobs market.

"Whilst the private sector looks geared for growth, public sector spending cuts are changing the face of unemployment in a manner not seen since the decline of heavy manufacturing in the 1970's. Thankfully however, most public sector workers hold an enviable set of transferable skills”.

Deborah offers this advice for jobseekers throughout the Ballymena area: "For jobseekers it is important they understand the need to remain flexible as to the role and location of their next job.

"Employers are being more selective and cautious, candidates will have to work harder to market themselves and showcase their talents. It seems obvious but spending extra time on CVs and job applications can really pay dividends, as well as focussing on transferable skills and being flexible in your approach and expectations."