Nearly 1 in 4 employers expect to increase hiring in 2026 – survey
Almost one in four employers expect to increase hiring in 2026 according to research from hiring platform IrishJobs.
Its Hiring Trends Update shows that large enterprises have the most positive outlook on future hiring, with 27% of these firms expected to increase recruitment over the coming months.
The research gathered insights from 500 employers and 1,000 professionals, and also includes in-house data from IrishJobs.
It shows that 33% of employers surveyed have increased their levels of recruitment since April 2025, while 24% of employers reported restructuring certain teams or departments within their organisation over the previous six months.
Sourcing candidates with in-demand skills remains a top challenge with nearly seven in ten employers struggling to recruit talent with the right skills.
Technical skills, such as programming, data analysis and AI competencies, are the most highly sought-after skills
The findings show that recruiters are increasingly using AI tools and automation to reduce administrative burdens and streamline the hiring process.
Nearly half of employers surveyed are using AI to draft job adverts, while 35% are using AI tools to help schedule interviews with job candidates.
The study shows that 21% of candidates were actively looking for a new job in September 2025.
Salary is the top factor candidates consider when evaluating a new job and employer, followed by work-life balance.
“It’s clear from the findings that confidence is beginning to return among employers in many industries following the trade agreement between the EU and the US,” said Christopher Paye, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs.
“Nearly one in four employers expect to increase hiring in the months ahead – an indicator that a more stable and positive trajectory for the jobs market lies ahead,” he added.
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