More than eight out of every 10 people - a total of 84 per cent - in Galway would take a job that required them to be vaccinated, a new survey has revealed.
The annual FRS Recruitment Employment Insights Survey for 2021 highlights that optimism is returning to the jobs market in Galway as the country emerges from lockdown. A total of 3,192 people participated in the survey nationally which was conducted over 12 days in April.
The survey showed 65 per cent of Galway people are in favour of employers being required to check vaccine certification before admitting staff to their place of work; 48 per cent believe they would secure a new job within three months; and 17 per cent believe they would do so within one month. More than one third of people in Galway (36 per cent ) believe there will be more job opportunities available to them this year.
Pay rises and job security
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Three out of every four Galway employees (76 per cent ) expect to receive a pay rise in the next 12 months; 61 per cent would consider a pay cut if their job was at risk; and 85 per cent would be open to a reduction in their working week under those circumstances. A total of 62 per cent of Galwegians admit to being fearful for their job security which, as the State emerges from lockdown, is higher than the national average (58 per cent ).
“What comes across in the survey this year is that optimism is returning to the jobs market in Galway and all around the country,” said Colin Donnery, general manager of FRS Recruitment. “People in Galway have adapted to the change of circumstances created by the pandemic and as we emerge from lockdown they are ready to move forward.
'The vast majority of employers expect to offer additional remote working opportunities post pandemic and the vast majority of employees in Galway want remote working to now be part of their professional lives'
“With 9 out of 10 employers nationally either currently hiring or planning to start hiring in the next three months it shows that confidence is returning to the economy, which is likely to drive extensive job market activity through the remainder of 2021. This is matched by the attitude of candidates, with our survey showing almost half of those who participated across the country are employed but looking for fresh opportunities.”
Working from home
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The survey also made for revealing reading regarding working from home and remote working. A total of 71 per cent of Galway employees are currently remote working some or all of the time. Nationally, when the pandemic restrictions are eased, 85 per cent of employees want to be able to work remotely and 83 per cent of all employers plan on offering more remote working opportunities. More than half of employers believe that employees are more productive when working remotely, wirth only 32 per cent believing they are less productive.
“The survey shows how the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on attitudes to remote working,” said Mr Donnery. “The vast majority of employers expect to offer additional remote working opportunities post pandemic and the vast majority of employees in Galway want remote working to now be part of their professional lives.
“While the pandemic has undoubtedly disrupted business and played havoc with our lives, perhaps one of its most lasting impacts on the professional realm will be shepherding in a new approach towards working in line with a digitally enabled world.”
