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Country shape ie

Your global agency guide to...

Ireland

Ireland, with a GDP of $546 billion, ranks 25th globally. It boasts top industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and IT. With a population of 5.1 million, Ireland has a stable workforce and a low unemployment rate of 4.3%, indicating strong demand for labor. Recruitment agencies in Ireland are well-developed, catering extensively to its key industries.

Ireland'S

AGENCY LANDSCAPE

1.2K

Agencies operating in Ireland

A high number of agencies indicates a mature recruitment industry, marked by strong talent demand, established labor laws and economic stability.

15-20%

Typical fee range

Countries with higher fees imply finding talent is harder to find whilst lower fees indicate a high-volume, commoditized market.

Ireland'S

FEATURED AGENCIES

Morgan McKinley Group Limited

CPL (CZ)

Get featured here

Ireland'S

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) RATING

25

WORLD RANKED

Ireland ranks 25th in the world by current economic output

$546B

NOMINAL GDP (US$)

GDP reflects the overall size and economic strength of the country’s economy.

14

EMEA RANKED

Ireland is the 14th biggest GDP in EMEA out of 109 countries in the region

GDP GROWTH (%)

The above chart compares how Ireland's GDP has grown, compared to the rest of the world and the EMEA region in the last 7 years.
Positive growth indicates an expanding economy, while negative growth or recession signifies economic contraction. Strong growth can encourage hiring, but slower growth might lead to freezes or layoffs, influencing talent sourcing as businesses adapt to changing market conditions and demands.

Ireland'S

CURRENCY AND CODE

Country currency

IRL

Country ISO code

Ireland'S

INFLATION RATE

2.4%

CURRENT RATE

▼2.8% REDUCTION

Inflation represents the rate at which prices rise and purchasing power diminishes. High inflation may prompt employees to seek higher wages, potentially impacting company profitability. This situation could lead to budget constraints or hiring freezes, which might influence talent availability and sourcing strategies.


Ireland'S

COST OF LIVING

COST OF LIVING INDEX EXPLAINED

The cost of living has a direct impact on salary expectations and the competitiveness of compensation packages. It can influence the appeal of certain locations-while high-cost areas may attract highly skilled professionals looking for higher salaries, lower-cost areas can appeal to companies looking to minimize salary expenses or candidates seeking a better work-life balance.

Ireland'S

LABOUR STATISTICS

5.1M

POPULATION

With a population of 5,123,536, Ireland is a small sized country by global standards. Ireland's youth population is close to the world average, suggesting a consistent influx of new workers, but may not see any significant growth. The working population in Ireland is close to the world average, suggesting a stable labor market that can adequately meet the economy's demands. Ireland's elderly population is close to the world average, suggesting a manageable dependency ratio, where the working-age population can effectively support the elderly.

Ireland'S

RELIGION AND ETHNICITY

Religion

In religiously diverse countries, a broad sourcing and engagement approach whilst appealing to inclusive practices resonates with this candidate market. In contrast, in a homogeneous religious environment, understanding dominant cultural norms is often more important when engaging with talent.

Ethnicity

In ethnically diverse countries, there may be a greater variety of candidates with different cultural backgrounds and experiences. Employers may need to focus more on inclusive hiring practices to ensure they attract talent from across different ethnic groups.

Ireland'S

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

4.3%

CURRENT PERCENTAGE

▼0.14% REDUCTION

Ireland's unemployment rate is healthy, indicating a well functioning labor market with good job opportunities for most people. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a small decrease in unemployment, suggesting continued economic stability with a slight improvement in job availability

Ireland'S

TOP PERFORMING COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES

Top performing companies

CRH plc
Medtronic
Accenture

Top industries

Pharmaceuticals
Computer hardware and software
Chemicals

Ireland'S

GENDER DEMOGRAPHICS

RATIO OF MALES TO FEMALES (BY AGE)

LABOUR PARTICIPATION BY GENDER (%)

70 / 60

Male | Female

In Ireland there is a medium gap in participation rates between males and females, indicating moderate inequality with some progress towards gender parity.

Ireland'S

WORKING LIFE

$56K

Average gross annual wage (US$)

This figure represents yearly income before taxes. Higher wage countries are above $50,000 USD. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average compensation may be required for in-demand skills.

$4.6K

Average gross monthly wage (US$)

This figure represents monthly income before taxes. Higher-wage countries typically exceed $4,000 USD per month. Attracting talent in lower-wage markets can be cost-effective; however, offering above-average monthly compensation may be necessary for in-demand skills.

Ireland'S

WORKING LIFE

10DAYS

Minimum annual holidays

Minimum annual holidays reflect mandated leave. Hiring in countries with high allowances (over 25 days) will require emphasizing work-life balance when recruiting. In countries with fewer holidays (under 15 days), offering additional leave can enhance recruitment and set the organization apart.

40HRS

Average working full time week

Standard work is 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week, with a max of 48 hours/week. Overtime isn't mandatory and is defined by the employment agreement, which can include financial compensation or future paid time off.

Ireland'S

TOP BENEFITS

26WEEKS

Maternity leave

Ireland offers 26 weeks paid maternity leave, extendable by 16 unpaid weeks, and 2 weeks paid paternity leave. Parents can also take 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave until the child turns 12 or 16 if disabled.

5DAYS

Sick leave

Ireland grants employees 5 days of paid sick leave at 70% of salary (max 110/day), after 13 weeks of work. Beyond that, Illness Benefit can be sought. Entitlement will rise to 10 days by 2026; part-time staff get the full allowance.

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