The number of new job vacancies in Ireland dropped by 9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest Jobs Index from IrishJobs. Key sectors such as manufacturing, IT, finance, and science experienced declines in job postings, reflecting a cooling trend in hiring activity.
Despite shifts in recruitment patterns, hybrid working vacancies have remained steady, accounting for 10.7% of total job postings for the second consecutive quarter. This comes even as several companies have implemented return-to-office policies. The findings suggest that hybrid work remains a core feature of the Irish job market, offering employees flexibility while balancing in-office collaboration.
Meanwhile, fully remote job opportunities have declined sharply, with the proportion of remote vacancies dropping by over 80% since their peak in Q3 2022. In the final quarter of 2024, remote roles accounted for just 2.3% of total vacancies, marking one of the lowest levels since 2019. According to IrishJobs, fully remote work is expected to remain stable at pre-pandemic levels throughout 2025.
Catering and Service Roles Lead Recruitment Activity
While some sectors saw a downturn in vacancies, hospitality and catering accounted for the highest number of job postings in the final quarter of 2024. Additionally, management, customer service, healthcare, and sales remained strong areas of hiring demand.
As Ireland’s job market continues to evolve, jobseekers and employers alike can explore new opportunities at Jobs Expo Cork, proudly sponsored by Recruit.ie, taking place on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, at Cork City Hall. This premier recruitment event offers a valuable chance to connect with leading companies and discover career opportunities in Ireland’s dynamic workforce.
Jobs Expo is the only careers exhibition of its type to feature FREE ADMISSION. Register now!
What can you expect at Jobs Expo Cork?
- Employers actively recruiting for hundreds of jobs at home and abroad
- Specialised areas dedicated to jobs in particular industries
- Start your own business experts offering advice and support networks
- The Career Clinic offering one-on-one CV, job seeking and career advice from professional career guidance counsellors
- A packed seminar timetable on important and topical issues by a range of industry experts
Career Clinic
The Career Clinic offers the chance for attendees to meet with professional development coaches. They can help candidates with crucial issues such as interview skills, CV presentation and changing career direction.
Agenda Stage
Jobs Expo’s Agenda Stage will host talks on a variety of topics including jobseeking skills such as using social media to land your dream job and interview techniques as well as a CV writing workshop. Other seminars include talks by industry insiders on a variety of career topics.
We look forward to seeing you at Jobs Expo Cork!