Energy

Australian recruiters poaching electrical workers from Ireland, ESB warns

15 per cent of its most experienced contractors left the operator after being approached by recruitment agencies in Australia, ESB says

ESB: semi-state has warned of capacity issues as it attempts to meet ambitious new environmental targets. Picture: PA

ESB told the government that 15 per cent of its “most experienced” contractors had quit their jobs after being approached by Australian recruiters, a newly released letter shows.

The semi-state body power company said its contractors were experiencing significant problems recruiting staff – which was exacerbated by companies in Australia approaching workers in the region.

Earlier this month, the Department of Enterprise announced a change to the state’s work permit scheme to allow contractors retained ...