Women forecast to dominate professions

Women will soon form the majority of professionals in business, finance and legal categories, according to forecasts published today by Fás and the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Based on employment trends across 20 sectors of the economy and changes in 43 occupations across the workforce, strong growth is predicted generally in job categories that require third-level qualifications and high skill levels.

Business, financial and legal professionals, will experience growth of almost 50 per cent, with women expected to form the majority of professionals in these categories by 2012.

Occupations in personal services, such as childcare, and other categories are also tipped to experience similar expansion.

The fields of health, education and science should see increased growth for managers and highly qualified workers while a significant fall in employment levels is forecast in agricultural occupations as well as a possible decline in unskilled manual workers.

ESRI economist Dr. Pete Lunn said "The most striking aspect of our findings is what we call the 'skills gradient.'

"Two factors seem to be driving it. The highest employment growth is occurring in service industries, which have a greater proportion of skilled workers. Meanwhile, within the fastest growing sectors we're seeing increased professionalisation, with more jobs requiring high-level qualifications."

While cautioning that forecasts are subject to uncertainty, the authors point out that even under a pessimistic scenario, a similar skills gradient is likely to occur, though employment in the construction industry could come under particular pressure.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin, said: "The fact that employment growth is expected to be much stronger in the more highly skilled occupations shows that the Government policy of providing quality jobs for our people into the future is correct."

"It is important now that we remain committed to implementing the National Skills Strategy together with the Strategy for Science, Innovation and Technology to provide the means to achieve this goal."