Skilled workers at the ill-fated Seagate plant in Clonmel can be in new jobs by Christmas if they're prepared to relocate, according to a recruitment agency boss. General operatives at the factory could also expect to find jobs in the electronics industry elsewhere in the country, said another agency executive.

Recruitment agencies began interviewing Seagate staff in Clonmel within two days of the plant's closure being announced, such is the demand for workers in the sector.

"I'm looking for 30 technicians from Seagate for one client in Dublin alone that's if I can get them," said Mr Sean Finnegan, managing director of Richmond Recruitment in Dublin.

Mr Finnegan said that in terms of career opportunities, the closure should have "very little" impact on Seagate's professional staff. "There are lots of positions out there in the marketplace for them. Seven of my staff are in Clonmel interviewing people at the moment."

Mr Adrian McGennis, group manager of the Marlborough Group, said he would be confident of skilled workers at Seagate finding new jobs within six to eight weeks. While moving might be necessary, he stressed there were opportunities in the south-east and south regions, particularly in Waterford and Cork.

Highly-qualified staff were more likely to be prepared to move but unskilled workers could also find new jobs if they were in a position to relocate, he added. Mr McGennis said that of Seagate's 1,400 workers, it was estimated that up to 400 had technical skills while 200-300 were skilled in other areas, such as administration.