Ireland’s job market closed 2025 on a steady footing, with hiring activity slowing slightly towards the end of the year, according to the latest Irish Employment Monitor from Morgan McKinley. While the final quarter saw a seasonal dip in professional job vacancies, overall employment levels remained broadly in line with the previous year.
The report revealed that professional vacancies dropped 11.9% quarter-on-quarter in Q4, reflecting typical year-end trends, but were only 1.9% lower than the same period in 2024, signalling a largely consistent demand for talent across the year.
At the same time, job seeker activity increased, with candidate registrations rising by 4.3% compared with the previous quarter, suggesting that many workers were preparing for new opportunities in early 2026. This rise in activity occurred alongside a modest uptick in the unemployment rate, which reached 5%.
The monitor notes that workforce changes were largely driven by employees moving roles and the conclusion of fixed-term contracts rather than widespread redundancies, indicating stability in the labour market.
Sector Highlights
Technology remained a key driver of demand, particularly for experienced professionals. Skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity were increasingly sought across software development, architecture, and project management roles. While graduate and junior recruitment in tech remained cautious, companies continued to compete for mid- to senior-level talent.
Financial services hiring finished the year strongly, with demand continuing across wealth management, pensions, mortgages, and insurance. Recruitment in the sector focused mainly on permanent roles. Meanwhile, accounting and finance hiring targeted corporate tax specialists, newly qualified accountants, and senior finance professionals.
Life sciences and engineering sectors maintained active hiring, buoyed by ongoing capital investment in biopharma, pharmaceutical, and medtech industries. Contract roles dominated project-based positions, particularly in quality, validation, automation, and engineering, with specialist skills in short supply.
Construction also saw sustained recruitment, largely linked to long-term public infrastructure projects rather than short-cycle commercial developments. Roles in high demand included quantity surveyors, civil engineers, project managers, and mechanical and electrical engineers, with many positions offered on a contract basis due to project timelines.
Regional Insights
Dublin continued to be the primary hub for permanent hiring, particularly by multinational employers, while regional markets remained stable, supported by indigenous and mid-sized companies.
Overall, the report reflects a labour market that, while experiencing normal seasonal fluctuations, remains resilient. Skilled professionals across technology, finance, life sciences, engineering, and construction are still in demand, with many employers planning to expand in 2026.