Judging by the number of PR jobs on the market in the early part of 2010, PR consultancies have started the year strongly.   This demand is starting to reflect in the corporate sector where large organizations are recruiting again after many of them cut staff last year.  It’s a good sign for the industry and the economy generally, exacerbated by the fact that many people in the highly mobile public relations and communications sector had a close eye on job security in 2009, choosing to stay put rather than look for new jobs.  2010 however shows a completely different picture.   Some consultancies have had up to 50% of their staff looking at new job prospects, and it looks like a while before it is likely to settle down.

 BIG MOVES AT WESTPAC

 Westpac have reinstated the position of Director of Corporate Affairs and have appointed highly respected and well liked practitioner Sue Foley to the position.   Sue was most recently Director of External Relations at Massey University but her previous career includes General Manager of Corporate Affairs at Kiwirail, Chief of Staff for TV3 and Press Secretary to the Leader of the Opposition.   Sue starts on 22 March.

RECESSION GOOD FOR GLOBAL PR MARKET

The January issue of the The Economist reported that the Recession had created new opportunities for the Public Relations sector amongst the corporate sector, meaning not only new business but also enhanced influence around the Board table.  The benefits were not universally spread however, with a global survey of the communications industry by StevensGouldPincus finding that 64% of participating companies saw revenues slide in 2009  while 23% experienced increased revenue.  

However there’s a sting in the tail – PR’s growing importance is attracting the attention of regulators who are worried that some PR firms so not make it clear enough that they are behind much seemingly independent commentary on blogs and social networks.  New Zealand companies active in this area include Vodafone and Air New Zealand, where staff and supportive consumers are quick to refute on-line criticism.

Nevertheless projections are that PR spending in America will surpass $8 billion by 2013.  Public relations is clearly  still a growing industry worldwide!.