Data Jobs Jump by More than a Third as GDPR Deadline Approaches

Jobs requiring data protection, data compliance and data privacy skills jumped 36 percent in 2017 compared to the previous year, according to new figures released today by recruitment website, IrishJobs.ie. The 2017 figure is a 60.5 percent increase on 2015.

The demand for data protection-type skills comes just months before the official GDPR deadline on 25 May.  GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a new regulation governing data storage and transfer. All EU businesses that process personal data, regardless of size or revenue, must abide by the new rules.

A recent survey by ISME found that 76 percent of Irish SMEs are ‘concerned’ about GDPR. 41 percent have a staff member dedicated to data protection and GDPR compliance, while only 7 percent have completed their GDPR plan.

In 2017, the number of jobs on IrishJobs.ie advertising a specific GDPR role or requiring knowledge of the regulation grew by 30 percent from Q2 to Q3 and by a further 17 percent from Q3 to Q4.

Commenting, Orla Moran, General Manager at IrishJobs.ie, said: “GDPR is a far-reaching regulation that has implications for every Irish SME and multinational that processes personal data. Fines for non-compliance are significant.

“In 2017 IrishJobs.ie recorded a sustained year-long increase in jobs requiring GDPR-related skills, and early indications for this quarter suggest that the trend is continuing. Irish businesses want experts that can implement a GDPR plan and ensure compliance, as well as professionals that are aware of GDPR rules and their impact on day-to-day operations.

“As more businesses and consumers use the internet, more data will be transferred, stored and analysed. Beyond GDPR, businesses are now seriously considering the long-term marketing opportunities, as well as the security and privacy responsibilities, associated with collecting and studying this data. We predict that more data analysis, privacy and compliance roles will become available in 2018 and the years ahead.”