Recruitment Market Update Q2 - Agri, Construction & Engineering
Ireland's Recruitment Market: Critical Data for Agriculture, Construction & Engineering Employers
Essential market intelligence on work permits, salary inflation, and talent supply for strategic hiring decisions
Ireland's employment permit system shattered records in 2024, with 39,390 permits issued – a 27% increase from 2023. For agriculture, construction, and engineering companies, understanding this unprecedented demand surge is crucial for strategic workforce planning in 2025.
The Numbers That Matter Most
Work Permit Surge Highlights Critical Shortages
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing received 3,625 employment permits in 2024, representing a significant recovery from the 2023 dip. This sector alone accounts for nearly 10% of all permits issued, signalling persistent labour shortages that international recruitment can address.
Construction companies secured thousands of permits as demand for work permits soared by 25% in the past year. The message is clear: businesses that aren't actively recruiting internationally are falling behind competitors who are.
Where International Talent is Coming From
The top five nationalities receiving Irish employment permits in 2024 were India (13,566), Brazil (4,553), the Philippines (4,049), China (1,962), and Pakistan (1,742). For agricultural employers, this is particularly relevant as South Africa accounts for a high percentage of agricultural workers, helped by their experience driving heavy machinery on the same side of the road as Ireland and speaking English.
Salary Reality Check: The Cost of Competition
Construction Leading Wage Inflation
The data reveals a stark reality: construction saw the largest annual percentage increase in average weekly earnings in Q2 2024 at 11.8%, rising from €900.39 to €1,006.22. This isn't just inflation – it's market competition for scarce talent driving wages upward.
For construction companies, the message is clear: salary budgets set 12 months ago are likely insufficient to attract quality candidates today.
Agriculture-Specific Developments
Agricultural employers should note that minimum salary requirements for employment permits will not increase in January 2025 as previously anticipated, providing some cost certainty. However, the national minimum wage increased to €13.50 per hour effective January 1, 2025, up from €12.70 per hour.
The sector continues to benefit from enhanced employment permit provisions, including a new seasonal employment permit allowing non-EEA nationals to work for seven months in seasonally recurrent employment.
Regional Opportunities Beyond Dublin
Smart employers are looking beyond Dublin. Employment for permit holders is still concentrated in Dublin (48.5% of the total), but significant permits were issued for work in Cork, Kildare, Limerick, and notably, Meath with 1,297 permits.
This presents a strategic opportunity: companies based in regional areas like Co. Meath can offer competitive salaries without Dublin's cost premium while accessing the same international talent pool.
What This Means for Your 2025 Hiring Strategy
Act Now on Critical Shortages
Ireland has particular shortages of people with the skills required for construction workers, engineers (various), and healthcare assistants. The permit statistics confirm these shortages are being addressed through international recruitment – the question is whether your company is participating in this solution.
Salary Benchmarking is Essential
With average weekly earnings increasing by 5.6% to €963.17 in Q2 2024 and construction leading at 11.8% growth, salary reviews can't wait for annual cycles. Companies using outdated salary bands risk losing candidates to competitors who've adjusted to market realities.
International Recruitment is Now Mainstream
Over 32,480 new permits were issued in 2024 (with another 5,709 renewals), with over half (51%) being Critical Skills Employment Permits for skilled workers. International recruitment isn't an alternative strategy – it's become essential for accessing talent in shortage areas.
Protential's Market Advantage
Understanding these statistics is one thing; acting on them effectively is another. At Protential Resources, our track record across these exact sectors – combined with established networks in India, Brazil, Philippines, and South Africa – positions us to help you navigate this competitive landscape.
Key Questions for 2025:
Is your recruitment timeline accounting for increased permit processing volumes?
Are you accessing the same international talent pools as your competitors?
The data shows Ireland's employment permit system is working harder than ever to address critical skills shortages. The question for agriculture, construction, and engineering employers is simple: will you benefit from this unprecedented access to international talent, or watch competitors gain the advantage?
Protential Resources specializes in navigating Ireland's employment permit system for agriculture, construction, and engineering companies. Our established relationships across key international markets ensure access to pre-qualified candidates who meet both technical requirements and cultural fit. Contact us to discuss how these market trends impact your specific hiring needs.
