Ireland’s labour market remained largely unchanged at the start of 2026, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2026 stood at 4.7%, the same as the revised rate for December 2025.
While the monthly rate was steady, annual comparisons show a slight increase, with the rate up from 4.5% in January 2025.
Unemployment by Gender
Breaking the figures down by sex, the male unemployment rate remained at 4.8% in January 2026, unchanged from December, but up from 4.5% a year earlier.
The female unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%, also unchanged from December 2025, but slightly higher than the 4.4% recorded in January 2025.
Age-Specific Trends
Among younger workers, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15–24) increased to 11.8%, up from 11.4% in December 2025. Conversely, the unemployment rate for those aged 25–74 declined slightly to 3.6%, down from 3.7% in the previous month.
What This Means for Jobseekers
The steady overall unemployment rate highlights ongoing stability in Ireland’s labour market, but the slight rise in youth unemployment signals continued challenges for younger jobseekers entering the workforce. With hundreds of active employers recruiting across sectors, career fairs like Jobs Expo Cork, taking place at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs on Saturday, 11th April (11am–4pm), offer a timely opportunity to connect with employers, explore roles, and gain practical guidance.
Jobs Expo Cork features face-to-face meetings with recruiters, on-the-spot applications, and expert career clinics, making it an ideal platform for graduates, career changers, and experienced professionals to take proactive steps in the current job market.