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The Quarter 1 2022 Labour Force Survey published by the Central Statistics Office today (Thursday, 26 May 2022) shows:
The Labour Force Survey (LFS) data published today 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. 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.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, said:
"We now have more people employed in the country than at any other point in the history of the state. That is remarkable.
"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 2.5 million 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."
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, said:
"I welcome today’s figures which show employment was at a record level, standing at 2.5 million in the first quarter, up more than 160,000 on the first quarter in 2020. These figures are a result of the successful economic policies introduced by the government during the pandemic to minimise economic scarring and support a robust recovery. It is likely that employment will continue to grow through this year, albeit at a more moderate pace.
"The direction of travel in the labour market towards full employment may add to capacity pressures at a time when the economy is faced with the twin supply-side inflationary shocks from the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. While energy prices are outside our control, non-energy inflation is also running at a record high of 4.7%. Our policies will not add to this inflationary pressure."
The Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, said:
"These figures published today represent a new milestone.
"It is particularly welcome to see a significant reduction in youth unemployment, which is now down to 5.6%. This is well below pre-pandemic levels and demonstrates the huge progress being made under ‘Pathways to Work’.
"As we move forward, we will continue to focus our efforts on supporting those who remain un-employed. My department is here to help and under ‘Pathways to Work’, there are a range of options from training and re-skilling to quality work placements."