Salary expectations remain for children of the 80s despite downturn

The report shows that just 54% of those surveyed feel their jobs are secure, and nearly a third of respondents have plans to emigrate.

Concern over job security is more pronounced among 26-31 year olds with 89% expressing job security fears compared with 71% of 20-22 year olds. Females are more concerned compared to their male counterparts with 77% expressing unease.

The survey also highlights that 60% of the "children of the 80's" polled expect a starting salary of between €24,000 and €30,000, with over half of respondents expecting a pay rise or bonus over the next 18 months.

Just over half of those surveyed believe the economy will worsen over the next six months and 'Generation Y' now has an increased focus on planning for the future compared with 2007, when 68% did not have a career plan, Deloitte said.

In this current survey, 79% indicated that they strategically plan for their future.

Despite the impact of the recession 'Generation Y' remains confident of career prospects, with 80% positive about achieving their career goals.

Encouragingly, this generation remain entrepreneurial with 69% claiming they would like to set up their own business.

"The survey results in 2007 clearly showed us that Generation Y was a confident, empowered generation with a sense of self worth and responsibility which had not been seen before here in Ireland," said Mark O’Donnell of Deloitte.

"The findings from this latest survey show that despite the recession, Generation Y has retained this sense of self confidence.

"That said the challenging times has changed the outlook of this generation with the greater emphasis on planning a welcome development.”