EVERYONE KNOWS that employment in the construction industry has taken a hammering. Now the fall-out in ancillary services is almost as severe, ranging from estate agents to architectural practices and chartered surveyors.

Aine Myler, vice-president of the Irish Auctioneers Valuers Institute, estimates that between 25 and 30 per cent of their members have lost their jobs but it will be several weeks before they have the complete picture. Last year the IAVI had 1,983 paid-up members and to keep numbers up it is now waiving membership fees for those made redundant.

Meanwhile, the Society of Chartered Surveyors reports a 26 per cent fall in employment over the past year, a figure that is expected to rise to over 30 per cent by June. A survey of 247 firms throughout the country has shown that 750 chartered surveyors and graduates have lost their jobs because of the property crash. However, the society will not be waiving membership fees for those out of work and will still expect them to come up with 10 per cent of the usual annual sub.