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News Headlines | Nearly half of employers reduce entry roles amid AI rise

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New IrishJobs research shows that almost half of Irish employers have cut entry‑level and graduate positions as labour costs rise and AI adoption accelerates, while two‑thirds say industry skill requirements are changing rapidly. Despite this, nearly half intend to boost hiring in the latter half of 2026 and 83 % view recruitment as more strategic, with 40 % increasing hiring in the first half of the year and 56 % of IT/telecom firms expanding staff. Over a quarter of companies are seeking highly specialised AI and machine‑learning talent, and technical roles remain in demand, with 22 % looking for cybersecurity experts and 23 % for technology and engineering professionals. The stepstone‑IrishJobs report, based on insights from more than 500 HR leaders and around 1,000 job‑seekers, concludes that Ireland’s labour market remains resilient, with growth plans especially in manufacturing and construction, even as rising costs and AI reshape workforce planning toward experienced, in‑demand skillsets.

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The Bad Place Apr 9

undefined | The 'winners and losers' in the adoption of AI

A new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Department of Finance warns that the adoption of artificial intelligence by Irish firms will create both “winners and losers.” It estimates that around 7 percent of current jobs could be displaced in the short‑to‑medium term, with the loss most heavily concentrated among highly educated workers whose occupations are highly exposed to AI technologies such as image recognition and translation. Roles most at risk include information‑and‑communications technicians, customer‑service clerks and clerical support staff.

For those who remain employed, the report highlights a brighter side: average wages are likely to rise as productivity gains from AI tools are realised. Occupations that are customer‑facing or physically demanding—such as health professionals, agricultural workers, builders, refuse‑workers, senior executives, and many hospitality and retail positions—face little risk of substitution. These sectors stand to benefit from the technological boost while the displaced workforce faces uncertainty.

The study also flags broader socioeconomic effects. AI‑driven job displacement could widen the gap between rich and poor, as higher‑income households capture a larger share of capital income while lower‑income workers lose jobs or see modest wage growth. The fiscal impact on the Exchequer is scenario‑dependent: modest job losses might increase tax revenue through higher productivity, whereas larger displacements could depress income‑tax receipts and raise welfare costs. Consequently, the researchers stress that upskilling, retraining and lifelong learning will be essential to smooth the transition and ensure that the long‑term gains in living standards are broadly shared.