Recruitment firm Sigmar is to create 50 new jobs over the next year with immediate plans to hire 16 people over the coming weeks.

The company, which currently employs 80 staff throughout Ireland and also has offices in Warsaw and Singapore, said demand for recruitment services had risen sharply compared to last year.

Sigmar's chief executive Adrian McGennis said the number of contract roles being offered was up 25 per cent on the same period a year earlier while there were also more permanent roles being advertised.

He said there was particular demand for professionals in sectors such as IT, banking and accountancy.

“In twenty years in recruitment the increase in demand since early 2009 is as sharp as any we have experienced. We may be ahead of the market but there is no question that the market is very strong," said Mr McGennis.