Demand for high-tech workers down
Third quarter of 2012 sees 30% drop in demand for software engineers, 13% drop in demand for hardware engineers in Israel compared to same period last year
The demand for workers specializing in database systems has gone up, according to survey.
The figures indicate a change in trend, which points to difficulties among technology companies in Israel that may affect the entire industry.
"Only during the fourth quarter, after the holiday season, we'll be able to know the employment market's real trend in the high-tech industry," said Jobinfo CEO Ilana Achimeir.
"There is a feeling of uncertainty as to the situation of the high-tech industry. This feeling stems from the sounds of recession coming from Europe."
Only recently, a number of major high-tech companies – including IBM, Freescale and Imperva – announced their plans to recruit many workers. Intel said recently that it would hire 1,400 people in 2012. In addition, Apple is opening a development center in Israel these days and recruiting dozens of engineers.
According to figures published by the Central Bureau of Statistics in late September, the second quarter registered a record demand: The number of jobs in the "technical and freelance professions" category, which includes the high-tech industry, went up to 7,200 – the highest level since the CBS began comparing data.
