As the midpoint of 2025 approaches, the Irish labour market remains resilient. In this report, we delve into the latest hiring trends, salary movements, and employer sentiment across Ireland. Whether you’re a hiring manager, HR leader or talent acquisition specialist, these insights will help you stay ahead of the curve.
1. Temporary Staffing Accelerates Flexibility
Demand for temporary roles continues to rise as businesses adapt to seasonal peaks and project-based needs.
39% of Irish employers increased temporary placements in Q2 2025, up from 31% in Q1.
This shift underscores the value of agile staffing models to maintain productivity without long-term commitment.
At Matrix Recruitment, we’ve supported numerous clients in sourcing skilled temporary workers—ensuring rapid turnaround and seamless integration into existing teams.
2. Steady Momentum in Permanent and Contract Hires
Long-term recruitment remains stable, with modest growth in permanent and contract roles reflecting employer confidence.
Permanent roles:
24% of organisations ramped up permanent hires
45% reported no change
32% saw a reduction
Contract roles:
14% of firms expanded contract headcount
59% remained steady
27% scaled back
These figures indicate sustained investment in core teams, even as businesses balance permanent commitments with flexible contract arrangements.
3. Salary Trends Hold Firm with Targeted Increases
Overall salary levels in Ireland showed minimal movement, but specific segments saw selective rises.
84% of permanent positions maintained existing pay rates.
80% of contract roles reported no change.
70% of temporary assignments kept salaries unchanged.
However, 28% of employers increased pay for specialist temporary roles to secure scarce skills.
Matrix Recruitment advises clients to benchmark salaries regularly—especially in high-demand areas—to attract and retain top talent.
4. Employer Outlook: Cautious Optimism for Q3
Looking ahead, organisations signal both opportunity and challenges in the candidate market:
41% expect vacancy growth in Q3.
34% foresee improved candidate availability, while 54% predict it will remain static—highlighting ongoing talent shortages.
To navigate these conditions, proactive workforce planning and employer branding will be critical.
How Matrix Recruitment Can Help
With our deep knowledge of the Irish labour market and a full suite of recruitment solutions—permanent, contract, and temporary—we partner with you to:
Interpret real-time labour market data for strategic hiring decisions
Deploy agile staffing solutions to meet urgent and specialist requirements
Benchmark salaries and benefits to remain competitive
Stay Ahead in Q3 and Beyond
By combining market intelligence with a people-first approach, Matrix Recruitment empowers Irish businesses to build adaptable, high-performing teams.
