It is useful to analyse the regions’ sectoral employment performance in more detail. The figure (3.1) below shows the percentage changes in employment across different sectors between 2000 and 2005 for the BMW region. There has been higher growth in employment in the BMW region in general over this period, although from a low base, which is reflected in the higher growth rates across most neutral categories. The BMW region has made strong progress in the various services sectors, including public services, and in construction. However, it is interesting to note that the decline in employment in the low value-added sectors of ‘Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing’ indicating ongoing structural change and a transition to higher value economic activities. It is also interesting to note that the sectors that are experiencing reduced employment levels tend to be comprised mainly of male employees , while expanding sectors (with the exception of construction) tend to be more gender balanced. Addressing the consequences of industrial restructuring is one of the priorities of the ESF OP (see section 5.5).
Figure 3.1: Labour Market Performance - Growth in Persons Aged 15+ in Employment by Sector - 2000-2005
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Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, 2006
Forfás publishes data on regional trends in employment between Irish-owned and foreign-owned firms (Note 23) which are also good proxies for high-added and low-added value sectors. The data show that the share in employment of foreign-owned firms in the BMW region fell significantly over this period as a percentage of total employment.
Note 23 The figures refer to people employed in manufacturing/financial and other international services/other activities
