A new report shows that human resource managers are more positive about taking on more staff next year.
The IBEC survey reveals that 27 per-cent of Irish companies plan to hire new staff in 2014 while half of the organisations surveyed expect to recruit permanent or temporary staff in the next six months.
However, the survey shows around 60 per-cent of employers are still concerned over rising costs.
Employers say the possible introduction of statutory sick pay, as well as recruitment and training costs, along with the price of health insurance are among some of the main concerns.
Fergal O'Brien is the head of policy with IBEC:
