IrishJobs Report Signals Hiring Optimism for 2026 Amid Shifting Labor Dynamics

Employer Confidence Shows Measured Recovery

Ireland’s job market appears poised for measured growth as new research indicates approximately 25% of employers anticipate increasing their hiring activities in 2026, according to the latest IrishJobs Hiring Trends Update. The biannual report, developed in partnership with parent company The Stepstone Group, surveyed 500 employers and 1,000 professionals nationwide to assess evolving recruitment patterns. Analysts suggest this projected hiring increase signals recovering business confidence following periods of significant geopolitical and trade volatility that previously constrained employment expansion.

Employer Confidence Shows Measured Recovery
Organizational Size Influences Hiring Plans
Labor Market Presents Recruitment Challenges
Jobseeker Activity Intensifies
Sector Performance Shows Significant Variation
Strategic Implications for Employers and Jobseekers

Organizational Size Influences Hiring Plans

The research reveals notable disparities between organization sizes, with larger firms demonstrating greater hiring ambition than their smaller counterparts. Sources indicate that 27% of major corporations plan workforce expansions compared to just 21% of small and medium-sized enterprises, suggesting smaller organizations remain more cautious in their employment forecasting. Additionally, the report states that 21% of employers intend to increase spending on specialist role recruitment, while 19% plan greater investment in temporary and contractor positions.

Labor Market Presents Recruitment Challenges

Despite optimistic hiring projections, the research identifies significant headwinds in Ireland’s employment landscape. Approximately one-quarter of surveyed employers reported implementing organizational restructures within the past six months, indicating ongoing market adjustments. The report further highlights that recruitment timelines have extended to a median of 10 weeks, with international tensions complicating global talent sourcing. According to the analysis, 70% of employers struggle to identify candidates possessing skills necessary to future-proof operations, particularly those combining technical capabilities with leadership and people management competencies.

Jobseeker Activity Intensifies

Professional mobility appears increasingly robust, with research showing 21% of workers actively sought new positions during September alone. Nearly 30% of surveyed professionals stated they intend to pursue new employment opportunities in 2026, potentially creating a more competitive talent acquisition environment. The report identifies salary considerations as the primary factor driving job transitions, while 31% of professionals cited work-life balance as their secondary priority when evaluating potential career changes.

Sector Performance Shows Significant Variation

The education sector demonstrated the strongest job growth at 33% over the past six months, according to the IrishJobs data. Social care followed closely at 30%, with management (29%), consulting (26%), and customer service (23%) completing the top five expanding fields. The technology sector registered a solid 20% employment increase, with software engineers, data engineers, and site reliability engineers emerging as the most sought-after specialized roles. Industry observers suggest these patterns reflect broader economic transformations and digitalization trends.

Strategic Implications for Employers and Jobseekers

Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland overseeing IrishJobs, commented that “the findings indicate confidence is beginning to return among employers following the EU-US trade agreement.” He further noted that “with jobseeker activity set to rise, employers should review their employee offerings to ensure they remain attractive to high-caliber talent,” emphasizing that professionals are increasingly evaluating comprehensive employment packages beyond compensation alone. The research suggests organizations must address both competitive remuneration and workplace quality factors to successfully navigate Ireland’s evolving employment landscape.