The latest Labour Force Survey from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports that employment in Ireland reached just under 2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a 2.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
While employment saw a slight quarterly decline of 18,400, this was accompanied by a similar reduction in the overall labour force, balancing the impact.
The employment rate for Q4 2024 stood at 74.3%, reflecting a 0.3 percentage point increase from 74.0% in the previous year.
Additionally, the total number of hours worked per week increased by 3.1 million hours, representing a 3.8% rise.
While employment saw a slight quarterly decline of 18,400, this was accompanied by a similar reduction in the overall labour force, balancing the impact.
The employment rate for Q4 2024 stood at 74.3%, reflecting a 0.3 percentage point increase from 74.0% in the previous year.
Unemployment Declines as Total Working Hours Increase
According to the CSO, 116,100 people were unemployed during the quarter, bringing the unemployment rate down to 4%, a slight improvement from 4.2% in 2023.Additionally, the total number of hours worked per week increased by 3.1 million hours, representing a 3.8% rise.
Employment Trends by Sector
The human health & social work sector saw the largest employment growth, adding 17,200 jobs (4.7% increase). Other industries experiencing growth included:- Construction
- Information & Communication
- Wholesale & Retail Trade, Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Repair, which saw a decrease of 17,300 jobs (5%)
- Administrative & Support Services, which also reported a decline in employment
