Ireland’s labour market steadies amid growth of AI hiring, finds report

Ireland's job market has remained stable over the past few months, according to a report from recruitment platform Indeed. The unemployment rate in the country stands at 5.0%, with the employment rate nearing pre-pandemic highs. This steadiness comes as Ireland's labour market reverts to normal following a period of high hiring demand post-COVID-19, according to senior economist Jack Kennedy.

The majority of sectors are below their pre-COVID posting levels, with only 41pc at or above the baseline set in February 2020. Pharmacy, cleaning, and sanitation are the sectors furthest above the pre-pandemic level, while IT infrastructure, operation, support, and childcare are the furthest below. Despite the overall stabilisation, AI is becoming an increasingly important factor in Ireland's hiring landscape.

Nearly 15pc of all job postings on Indeed now include AI-based terminology, the highest among European countries tracked by the platform. This is compared to 9.7pc in the UK, 5.6pc in Germany, 5pc in Italy, and 3.6pc in the Netherlands.

Kennedy notes that AI is changing the skills employers are seeking, creating new roles and demands beyond traditional tech jobs. This shift in hiring needs presents a challenge in ensuring that individuals, particularly those early in their careers, have access to the skills required by these evolving job markets.