IRELAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 07, 2025 / The latest labour market data paints a compelling picture of Ireland’s employment landscape, with retention rates reaching unprecedented levels. Gi Group, a global leader in workforce solutions with branches in Cork and Galway, recognises the significance of these developments and their impact on businesses navigating a competitive talent market.

Ireland's employment rate has consistently grown throughout the 2020s, reaching 74.7% in Q1 of 2025, a full one per cent more than during Q1 2024, and it represents a 0.4% increase on Q4 2024.

The numbers highlight economic resilience and a market bouncing back as Ireland’s 2025 Q1 numbers are the highest since the Covid-19 pandemic. With just a 0.6% drop off from the record high 75.3% employment rate in Q3 2024, the figures also suggest a period of stability with little in the way of huge fluctuations in employment.

The number of employees staying in their roles increased to 2,544,459 in Q1 2025, the highest on record. Meanwhile, only 11.1% of employees left their roles during the same quarter, in what the Central Statistics Office has called the Labour Market Churn. These figures indicate a shift in workforce dynamics where stability and retention strategies are becoming pivotal.

Ben Forde, Operations Director at Gi Group Ireland, said: “This data reveals a maturing labour market in Ireland. Employers are realising the value of retaining experienced staff, as evidenced by the unprecedented retention rates. However, this also signals a call to action for businesses to re-evaluate their employee engagement and development strategies to sustain this trend.”

Gi Group has identified that a strengthened focus on employee satisfaction, development programmes, and competitive benefits are at the heart of this retention success. Yet, there’s a pressing need for organisations to innovate further. Amid global uncertainties, such as the predicted job losses in the UK—where over 200,000 roles are projected to disappear by 2025—businesses in Ireland have an opportunity to lead by prioritising workforce investment.

The increase in professional vacancies by 16.8% between February 2024 and March of 2025 also highlights a critical area of focus. “While retaining talent is essential, organisations must not lose sight of their hiring needs,” Forde adds. “The skills gap remains a challenge. As the labour market evolves, filling these vacancies with the right talent will require a strategic and innovative approach.

“Ireland’s high retention rates and robust employment figures reflect a dynamic workforce landscape. Businesses must leverage these insights to not only retain but also attract talent, ensuring sustained growth in an increasingly competitive global market. Gi Group remains committed to supporting organisations in navigating these challenges, empowering them with tailored workforce solutions to build resilient and thriving teams.”

Gi Group in Ireland operates two busy branches – one in Galway and a new office in Cork, which opened last year. In the UK the business is headquartered in Chesterfield in the Midlands. The business employs close to 260 people and in 2025 is proud to serve more than 1000 clients across sectors from logistics and industrial to engineering and automotive from 69 UK locations (21 city centre branches and 48 sites). Gi Group UK is uniquely committed to the creation of social and economic value for both employers and candidates alike. Gi Group Holding in the UK places one person in work every 90 seconds.