Geopolitics and AI among factors driving employers to temp hiring

Employer confidence in Ireland’s jobs market is down, a survey by the Employment and Recruitment Federation has found

Siobhán Kinsella, president of the Employment and Recruitment Federation (ERF).

Employers are showing clears signs of hesitancy, with many opting for temporary over permanent recruitment options.

Employer confidence in Ireland’s jobs market has reversed sharply within the first quarter of 2026, with optimism on future vacancies falling from 56% in January to 39% by March, according to the latest Irish Labour Market Monitor from the Employment and Recruitment Federation (ERF), supported by ICON Accounting.