The Department of Finance has published a new paper, Continuity and Change: Examining Recent Trends in the Irish Labour Market, which reviews Ireland’s post-pandemic labour market five years on.

The report highlights that Ireland’s strong recovery has been underpinned by inward migration and rising labour force participation, particularly among women and older workers. Since late 2019, over 440,000 jobs have been created, with unemployment holding below 5% for more than three years.

Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe T.D., has welcomed the analysis, noting that record employment and higher female participation reflect both the resilience of Irish workers and businesses, as well as Government policy during the pandemic, such as wage subsidy schemes.

Looking ahead, the report highlights that with labour force growth set to slow due to demographic change, productivity will become the key driver of future economic growth. The Government aims to therefore stay laser-focused on boosting the productive capacity of the workforce and safeguarding competitiveness, all while ensuring continued improvements in living standards. To read the report in full, see here.