A recent Eurobarometer report indicates that while the majority of European SMEs grapple with skills shortages, Irish employers stand out by actively seeking talent from abroad. The data reveals that 21% of Irish respondents have attempted to hire talent from other EU countries, and 20% have sought staff from outside the EU to address skills gaps. In contrast, the EU27 average for these categories is 14% and 16%, respectively.
Ireland’s distinctive approach can be attributed to its widespread appeal as a workplace, ranking among the top 15 countries globally for attracting interest from overseas job seekers. Approximately 11.1% of job searches in Ireland originated from abroad, with software development being a particularly popular category. The country’s English-speaking workforce and welcoming stance towards refugees, such as Ukrainians fleeing the war, contribute to its attractiveness.
The second factor influencing Ireland’s outlier status is the EU’s limited mobility, hindering workers from easily moving between countries. The EU is addressing this issue with initiatives like the proposed “EU Talent Pool,” aiming to match employers with international job seekers and enhance intra-mobility. While seen as a potential game-changer, the success of such initiatives will depend on effective design and implementation. Business Europe emphasises the need for better information about migration, training and education promotion, and measures to raise the EU’s attractiveness for skilled migrant workers.
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