There was a 14.4% increase in professional job openings in the second quarter of the year compared to the previous quarter, according to new data.
The latest Quarterly Employment Monitor from recruitment firm Morgan McKinley shows that the surge in vacancies was primarily observed during April and May, with a slight downturn in June.
The study also reveals that the number of professional job seekers rose by 6.9% on a quarterly basis.
According to Morgan McKinley, there was a slowdown in recruitment in the tech sector linked to caution by US companies ahead of the upcoming US elections and potential changes in economic policies and regulatory frameworks.
The financial services sector saw an uptick in hiring, driven by compliance needs related to the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which mandates that financial entities strengthen their operational resilience.
This led to increased demand for roles in risk management, ESG, and operational resilience.
Accounting and finance continued to show strong hiring trends, especially in Dublin, where a shortage of qualified accountants and tax professionals persists.
In the construction sector, the data shows strong demand for permanent roles, particularly in government infrastructure projects such as upgrades at Dublin Airport and rail lines in Cork.
The legal sector saw a steady demand for in-house counsel and corporate lawyers, with a notable increase in vacancies for property lawyers, reflecting ongoing activity in the real estate market and companies’ efforts to secure housing for employees amid the housing crisis.
“The Irish professional employment market continues to show resilience and growth, even amidst global uncertainties,” said Trayc Keevans, Global FDI Director, Morgan McKinley Ireland.
“The increase in job vacancies and job seekers suggests a dynamic market, but sector-specific trends indicate varying levels of activity and caution,” Ms Keevans said.