Ireland Records Strongest Second-Quarter Hiring Outlook in Over a Decade
Ireland’s labour market continues to demonstrate resilience, with employers reporting strong hiring intentions for Q2 2026.
The latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey reveals a Net Employment Outlook of 36%, highlighting a continued upward trend in hiring sentiment among employers.
Key highlights from the report
420 employers across Ireland participated in the survey
36% Net Employment Outlook for Q2 2026
Hiring expectations continues to improve compared with both the previous quarter and last year
Many organisations expect to expand their workforce in the coming months
These findings reflect continued optimism among employers despite an evolving economic landscape.
Industry outlook
The report highlights notable differences in hiring expectations across sectors.
Key insights include:
Construction & Real Estate reporting the strongest hiring outlook
Significant improvements in hiring sentiment within Public Sector, Health & Social Services
Continued workforce demand across several industries
Regional trends
The survey also highlights regional hiring patterns across Ireland:
Munster reporting the most optimistic hiring outlook
Strong hiring expectations across major economic regions
Continued workforce demand across Ireland’s key employment hubs
Emerging workforce trends
In addition to hiring activity, organisations are increasingly focusing on future workforce capabilities.
The report highlights that:
Employers believe AI will deliver the greatest ROI in Learning & Development
Organisations are prioritising skills development and workforce training
Investment in employee capabilities remains a key business priority