Dublin: Employment in Ireland reached a historic high of 2.82 million people at the end of June, according to Bank of Ireland’s economics research unit. The figure marks a 2.3% year-on-year increase, with overall employment now 19% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Despite a slight rise in recent months, the unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, one of the lowest in the EU. Only Germany, at 3.5%, records a lower rate. Spain has the highest jobless figure at 10.9%.
Between June 2024 and June 2025, 63,900 new jobs were created. Construction was the standout sector, adding 29,600 positions, an 18% increase, though overall numbers remain 20% below 2007 levels.
The services sector added 28,200 jobs (+1.3%), led by gains in professional, scientific, and technical roles (+3.2%), finance and insurance (+5%), health and social work (+3.9%), and education (+4.1%). Industry also grew by 1.6%, adding 5,400 jobs.
While employment continues to grow, Bank of Ireland cautioned that the pace of job creation is slowing from recent highs, with just a 0.1% quarterly rise compared to 1.1% in early 2025.
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