The number of job openings and jobseekers in Ireland fell by almost a third in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, reports The Irish Times, citing the latest Morgan McKinley Quarterly Employment Monitor. The research showed that the number of vacancies in professional roles fell 13.8% compared to the final quarter of 2023 and 29.6% compared to the corresponding period last year. The corresponding falls in jobseeker numbers were 2.4% quarter-on-quarter and 31.3% year-on-year. Morgan McKinley suggested an increased reluctance on the part of professionals to contemplate a move without the prospect of a confirmed offer, given the greater levels of economic uncertainty.

Salaries have remained generally stable in recent months, although the pay for roles involving skills in short supply, including quantity surveyor, tax professional and cybersecurity expert, continues to increase.

Morgan McKinley's Global FDI Director, Trayc Keevans, said, "During the first quarter of 2024, Ireland's employment market was underpinned by hiring activity driven by the implementation of new European regulations and a growing focus on sustainability. This led to increased recruitment in compliance, governance, risk management, and emerging ESG (environmental, social and governance) reporting roles."