Employees will have a greater bargaining position in 2010 as a rebuilding economy provides more opportunities for jobseekers.

Hays Accounting and Finance is expecting the number of jobseekers to surge this year amid the economic recovery as employers who rode out the financial crisis attract the best talent.

Skill shortages will resurface as a major issue, with demand for life claims assessors, insurance account executives and account managers.

Even Generation Y – which prior to the credit crunch had never experienced a constrained market – is finding restored confidence.

“They remain career-focused, and there are signs of frustration from those working for companies where career progression opportunities are not available,” Hays Accountancy & Finance Director Nick Deligiannis said.

“We expect to see an increase in turnover rates as this generation of candidates look for a new role to achieve their career development.”

Hays Insurance Senior Regional Director Jane McNeill says many insurers and brokers have begun early recruitment drives to seize quality candidates.

“Candidates already in permanent roles are re-entering the job market, looking for their next career step,” she said.

“This momentum will also generate opportunities as positions become vacant, further fuelling the jobs market.”