Job prospects in the insurance sector are improving with more life offices looking to increase staff...
Job prospects in the insurance sector are improving with more life offices looking to increase staffing levels, writes Rachel Williams.
According to research by employment services company Manpower, employment prospects in the insurance industry have almost reached the 10-year high experienced in the fourth quarter of 1997.
The Quarterly Survey of Employment Prospects, a national survey commissioned by Manpower, revealed that following a significant dip in recruitment in 1995, consolidation within the industry had left recruitment stable in the last two years.
In the fourth quarter of the year, almost 30% of insurance companies expected to recruit with only 10% expecting to reduce staffing levels.
A spokesperson for Manpower said: "This reflects a mature and competitive market, but still one in which employers see scope for change and recruitment.
"Traditionally, insurance sector employment trends have tended to follow the national average after a short delay. If so, the statistics suggest there could be a downturn in the sector in 2002.
The report also revealed that recruitment in the public and private healthcare sector had reached its highest level since 1979 the last time a Labour Government was in power.
The private sector reported a large reduction in lay-offs, with the number of companies expecting to reduce staffing levels halved.
Four times as many companies were looking to employ more staff compared with this time last year.
