Ireland's labour market continues to evolve, and while hiring sentiment has softened compared to earlier this year, the latest findings from the ManpowerGroup Ireland Q3 2026 Employment Outlook Survey reveal a more balanced story than the headline figures alone suggest.
Based on responses from 439 employers across Ireland, the survey provides valuable insight into hiring intentions, workforce priorities, productivity trends, and the skills organisations believe will be critical for future success.
Hiring Confidence Has Moderated
Ireland's Net Employment Outlook (NEO) stands at 12% for Q3 2026, representing a decrease from both the previous quarter and the same period last year.
However, context is important.
The previous quarter recorded the strongest second-quarter hiring outlook in more than a decade, making some moderation unsurprising. While employers are taking a more measured approach to hiring, the majority continue to report positive hiring intentions, highlighting a labour market that remains resilient despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
Manufacturing and Technology Continue to Lead
Despite a broad-based easing in hiring sentiment across sectors, Manufacturing reported the strongest Net Employment Outlook at 28%, followed closely by the Information sector at 25%.
These findings reinforce the continued importance of Ireland's manufacturing and technology industries and demonstrate that investment in innovation, digital transformation, and specialist talent remains a priority for many organisations.
Workforce Planning Is Becoming More Strategic
The survey highlights that employers are placing increasing emphasis on long-term workforce planning rather than short-term hiring alone.
One of the most notable findings is the growing importance of employee upskilling and AI-powered workplace tools, with employers identifying both as leading drivers of productivity growth over the past year.
At the same time, communication, collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership continue to rank among the most valuable skills employers seek when building future-ready teams.
Why These Insights Matter
Understanding labour market trends allows organisations to benchmark themselves against their peers, anticipate changes in hiring confidence, and make more informed workforce decisions.
Whether reviewing hiring plans, identifying emerging skills requirements, or understanding regional and sector-specific trends, access to reliable market intelligence enables businesses to make proactive decisions rather than reactive ones.
For employers competing for talent in an increasingly dynamic market, these insights provide valuable context for workforce planning, recruitment strategies, and employee development initiatives.
Looking Ahead
While hiring activity has moderated following an exceptionally strong start to the year, the outlook remains positive.
Irish employers continue to invest in talent, skills development, and technology to support long-term growth, demonstrating that while hiring strategies may be evolving, confidence in the future workforce remains.
The ManpowerGroup Ireland Q3 2026 Employment Outlook Survey offers a comprehensive view of the trends shaping Ireland's labour market and provides practical insights for organisations planning for the months ahead.
Download the full ManpowerGroup Ireland Q3 2026 Employment Outlook Report to explore the latest hiring trends across industries, regions, organisation sizes, productivity drivers, and the skills shaping the future of work.