Irish Workforce Sees Decline as Locals Account for 42.5% of New Jobs

New data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reveals that Irish nationals comprised less than half of the new entrants to the workforce in 2024. The report, titled “Earnings of New Entrants to Employment 2024,” indicates that only **42.5%** of individuals joining the job market for the first time were Irish. This marks a slight decline from **43.5%** in 2023.

The report highlights a diverse array of nationalities among new workers, with **9%** being Indian nationals, **5.1%** Ukrainian, and **4.5%** Brazilian. Other significant contributors included UK nationals at **2.8%**, along with Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish nationals rounding out the top ten countries represented among new entrants.

Demographics of New Entrants

The data was collected through an analysis of workers appearing for the first time in Revenue’s tax records in 2024. Notably, nearly two-thirds of new Irish entrants are aged between **15 and 24**, reflecting a trend towards younger individuals entering the workforce. Overall, new entrants accounted for **8%** of total employment in Ireland for 2024, a decrease from **8.9%** in the previous year.

Michael Taft, an economic researcher for Siptu, commented on the findings, emphasizing the increasing reliance on immigrant labor. He stated, “As our society gets older, we will need more immigration to fill these skills, positions, fill the job opportunities, and have a strong working population that can pay for things like pensions and age-related health expenditure.”

This demographic shift underscores the importance of a robust workforce to support economic growth and sustainability, particularly as the population ages.

Implications for the Irish Economy

The decline in the proportion of Irish nationals entering the workforce may prompt policymakers to reassess immigration and labor policies. As the economy continues to evolve, the integration of skilled immigrants is likely to play a crucial role in meeting labor demands across various sectors.

The CSO report serves as a critical resource for understanding the changing landscape of employment in Ireland. As different nationalities contribute to the workforce, businesses and government agencies must adapt to ensure that job opportunities are accessible to all, fostering an inclusive economic environment.

The findings of this report are not only significant for policymakers but also for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of a diverse labor market. As Ireland moves forward, the emphasis on attracting and retaining a skilled workforce will be vital for sustaining economic growth.