Ireland will see the rate of employment return to pre-recession levels by 2016, a new report has found.

The 'Irish business beyond the recession' paper by IBEC and PricewaterhouseCoopers showed that the export sector will continue to grow and Irish firms will start exploring new products and services over the next five years.

According to the research, the majority of companies feel positive about their prospects going forward, with many expecting an upswing in investment and employment in 2012.

Just over one-third stated they will add to their workforces next year, with 60 per cent expecting to employ more people by 2016.

"Irish firms are planning for a bright future. Companies continue to have ambitious employment and investment plans for next year and the period out to 2016," commented IBEC director-general Danny McCoy.

The executive in Northern Ireland recently revealed a plan that will see 25,000 new jobs created over the next few years.

Posted by Lee Thrace