IrishJobs: Half of Employers Cut Entry-Level Roles Amid Rising Costs, AI Adoption
New IrishJobs research shows nearly half of employers have cut entry and graduate roles due to rising labor costs and AI adoption. Despite this, 40% increased recruitment in the first half of the year, with 56% of IT employers hiring more. Technical skills, especially in AI and cybersecurity, are in high demand.
New research from the hiring platform IrishJobs indicates that nearly half of employers have reduced the availability of entry and graduate-level positions within their organizations. This reduction is attributed to escalating labor costs and the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).
The latest IrishJobs hiring trends report also reveals that two-thirds of employers perceive a rapid evolution in the skills required within their respective industries. Despite this, almost 40% of employers increased recruitment levels during the first half of the year. Looking ahead, nearly half of employers anticipate increasing hiring in the second half of 2026, and 83% of recruiters report that hiring strategies are now more strategic, focusing on specific roles.
Even with recent prominent job cuts in the technology sector, 56% of employers in the IT and telecoms sector expanded their hiring efforts over the past six months. Furthermore, over a quarter of Irish firms are actively recruiting for highly specialized roles in AI and machine learning. Technical skills are in high demand across various industries, with 22% of employers seeking skilled cybersecurity talent and 23% looking for technology and engineering professionals.
Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, responsible for IrishJobs, commented on the findings: «It's clear from the findings that despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Ireland’s labour market remains fundamentally resilient.» He added, «Employers are planning for growth, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing and construction, where demand for skilled talent continues to outpace supply.» Mr. Paye also noted, «Rising labour costs and advances in AI are also reshaping workforce planning, prompting many employers to rebalance their hiring mix and focus on experienced talent with in-demand skills.» The IrishJobs Hiring Trends Update collected insights from over 500 HR leaders and nearly 1,000 jobseekers in Ireland during March and April.