Mayo job market defies national slowdown with 8 percent growth in 2025

The jobs market in Mayo recorded strong growth throughout 2025, with an 8 percent year-on-year increase in the number of newly advertised vacancies, according to a new report from FRS Recruitment.

The positive local performance runs contrary to the national trend, which saw a 17 percent decline in advertised jobs last year. FRS Recruitment is forecasting further expansion in the county, predicting 10 percent growth in Mayo’s jobs market in 2026.

The report notes that Mayo’s position as an accessible regional hub has made it increasingly attractive to employers seeking cost-effective alternatives to larger cities.

While employers in many parts of the country slowed recruitment due to rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty linked to US trade tariffs, Mayo recorded a sustained uplift in hiring activity, particularly toward the final quarter of 2025.

FRS Recruitment says many businesses nationally focused on managing employment costs by delaying permanent hires, expanding existing roles internally and increasing their use of automation and artificial intelligence. Some sectors experienced steep declines in hiring, including accounting and finance, where vacancies fell by almost 40 per cent, and the agri-food sector, which saw a decline of up to 15 per cent.

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Survey data from employers and workers shows cautious optimism locally. Three out of four Mayo employers expect to hire in the next three months, while nine out of 10 say they remain concerned about the economic outlook. More than two-thirds believe full employment will only last another year or less.

Among employees, 62 percent report concerns about job security, yet 55 percent believe they could secure a new role within three months if required. Nearly half expect a salary increase in the next year, and 78 percent say they have been asked to attend the workplace more frequently.

Speaking on the report, Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment, said Mayo has shown resilience despite national pressures.

“2025 was a challenging year for the Irish jobs market, with multiple headwinds creating a lot of uncertainty for companies,” she said. “Despite the difficulties faced by employers across the country last year, Mayo bucked the national trend with a strong increase in the number of new jobs advertised in the county.

“With a tariff agreement now in place between the EU and the US, there is much more trading certainty for businesses heading into 2026, and I would expect to see a rebound in the jobs market this year.”

She added that competition for talent is expected to remain strong, with continued investment in automation and a growing focus on return-to-office policies.

Overall, the report suggests Mayo’s labour market remains well positioned for continued growth, outperforming national trends while adapting to rapid changes in technology, workforce expectations and economic conditions.

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