An organisation representing over 120 employment agencies has said a sense of perspective is needed about job prospects during the recession.
The National Recruitment Federation said we need to focus on encouraging a return to work, instead of being pessimistic about the situation.
NRF president Frank Collins said over 400 permanent jobs were filled by member agencies in the last week of March alone.
He said these positions were across all sectors and included jobs in retail, construction and financial services.
Mr Collins says that while there is no denying the increased numbers on the Live Register in recent months, opportunities still exist for thousands of people who find themselves out of work.
He said people need to know that it is not a pointless exercise to start looking for employment during the downturn.
The federation has called for a revival of energy and innovation, saying a widespread 'mood of pessimism, depression and fear' in recent months has been counter productive.
