One in three adults in Munster worried about job security

New report found 70% of people cited cost of living as their biggest financial worry

Thu, 28 May, 2026 - 00:05

Emer Walsh

Almost one in three adults in Munster is worried about job security, which is "well-above" the national average of 21%, a new survey shows.

Research from Royal London Ireland found that 70% of people say the rising cost of living is their biggest financial worry, with 25–34-year-olds under the greatest pressure.

One third (32%) of people nationwide are most concerned about covering their rent or mortgage, a figure that doubles among young adults.

Meanwhile, three in 10 are most worried about building retirement savings, with 29% citing being unable to work due to illness or injury is a primary concern.

Barry McCutcheon, protection proposition lead at Royal London Ireland, said the cost-of-living crisis is still weighing heavily on households across the country, with those aged 55 and over most likely to put the cost of living at the top of their financial worries list.

Regionally, concern peaks in Ulster (82%), followed by Dublin (71%) and Munster (71%).

Paying rent or a mortgage is a much lower priority for most people aged 55 and over, with only 11% citing it as their main concern, compared with 64% of 25–34-year-olds.

Regionally, concern is greatest in Dublin, where 36% of respondents cited rent or mortgage payments as their main worry, followed by Munster at 34%.

Mr McCutcheon added that the data shows that housing affordability is a "major concern" for younger adults, with 48% of those aged under 35 citing it as a top concern.

"For many, rent or mortgage payments shape decisions about daily spending, career choices and long-term financial planning. This can mean difficult trade-offs each month between covering essentials and saving for the future”.

Overall, concerns about job security are relatively low, but they are more pronounced among younger adults, with men noticeably more worried than women.