The Labour Market
The labour market is a term used to describe the relationship between the workplace (available employment) and the workforce (people, aged 16 and over, who are working or are available to work). A labour market is said to be healthy if there is enough work available for all those who seek it. Most countries in the world have some difficulty achieving or maintaining a healthy labour market.
Recent years have seen a continued growth in employment in Ireland with a additional persons
employed over the year. Growth was particularly strong in a number of sectors, including
construction, accommodation and food, and education. In terms of occupations, an expansion
was evident for those employed in professional occupations, skilled trades (including chefs and
construction trades) and personal services (e.g. care workers). An increase in inward migration
(including an increase in the number of new employment permits being issued) indicates that
Ireland has indeed re-established itself as an attractive place to work.