275,200 jobs were created in the year to Q1 2022 alone.
Ireland is riding the crest of the wave of new job creation and the number of people at work has risen to 2.5m people, passing a target that the Government set two years ago.
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) data published by the Central Statistics Office show a continued recovery from the pandemic in Ireland’s labour market, with 275,200 jobs created in the year to Q1 2022.
“We now have more people employed in the country than at any other point in the history of the State. That is remarkable”
Employment now stands at 2,505,800, an increase of just over 12% over Q1 2021.
The increase in employment in Q1 2022 maintains the strong momentum in job creation that began in early 2021, with the successful rollout of the vaccination programme and the reopening of economic and social activity as the danger to public health subsided.
Reopen and thrive
“We now have more people employed in the country than at any other point in the history of the State. That is remarkable,” said Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, TD.
“Throughout the pandemic, we did our best to help businesses survive and hold onto their staff, so that when things opened up they could reopen and thrive. We set a goal to have 2.5m people at work by 2024 and thanks to the incredible fortitude of Irish businesses, their staff, families and communities, we have now exceeded that goal, with 2,505,800 people at work today.
“There has been jobs growth across all regions with the highest increases in the South West and South East, while female labour market participation is at a record high and the youth unemployment rate is at a record low.
“Our aim is to create good quality, secure jobs and to make sure work pays. I’m working on five new workers rights this year, including introducing mandatory sick pay, in addition to moving to a living wage starting next year, and auto enrolment so everyone who’s working has an occupational pension in addition to the state pension, starting in 2023.
“I know these numbers do not reflect the lived reality of some, and that many are still struggling and worried about the future. We continue to work hard to provide people with opportunities for good, sustainable jobs in every part of the country for anyone that wants one.
“We’re making available 50,000 reskilling and upskilling courses through our Recovery Plan, to help move to a more digital and climate resilient economy. We recognise that many of our small businesses are still trying to get back on their feet after a really tough few years and will continue to help them and we are working hard to continue to attract the very best multinational investment to all parts of Ireland,” Varadkar said.
