The first three months of 2025 brought positive news for Northern Ireland’s labour market, with vacancies up 21% compared to the last quarter of 2024, according to the latest NIJobs Job Report.
Job listings rose by 7% year-on-year and are 44% above pre-pandemic levels. Almost 80% of employment categories saw a pick-up in hiring intentions relative to the previous quarter.
The encouraging job trends could represent the calm before the storm as local businesses face a period of uncertainty as the impact of higher employer costs and global economic uncertainty come to the fore.
The NIJobs Job Report, authored by leading economist Richard Ramsey, examines hiring trends and the most in-demand jobs against the current economic backdrop.
Richard says, “The Northern Ireland economy began 2025 with reasonable economic momentum and a strong labour market. Unemployment remains at historic lows and employment has never been higher.
“However, Donald Trump’s first 100 days triggered a surge in uncertainty as he seeks to upend the global order of the last 70 years. His tariff announcements, which amount to the biggest increase in tariffs in a century, have caused ructions on the financial markets. The local labour market, on the other hand, is in the calm before the storm.
“The chopping and changing in tariffs makes it extremely difficult for businesses, particularly those that are reliant on trade, to plan ahead. This uncertainty will impact investment and ultimately hiring decisions at home and abroad. Heightened uncertainty is the new (ab)normal. Employers and employees are likely to be more cautious in the months ahead.”
The local job market
Despite the projected slowdown in economic growth and hiring, the local job market has demonstrated resilience and strong performance in Q1. This means employers and employees are better positioned to navigate these challenges.
Manufacturing & Engineering job listings increased by 32% quarter-on-quarter and 20% quarter-on-quarter, respectively in Q1 2025. Both of these employment categories were rebounding off 15-quarter lows. There was also a strong pick-up in job listings within the Health sector. The 51% quarter-on-quarter rise saw Health listings reach a 2-year high, with jobs in Health also up 52% compared to the same period last year.
Social Care topped the table for the most vacancies (8.1%) in Q1 2025 for the second successive quarter and posted its highest number of listings in two-and-a-half years. Management jumped three places to the No.2 position and accounted for the largest share of the quarterly net gains in vacancies. It too recorded its highest number of vacancies in 10 quarters. Catering fell from second to third place with Logistics and Sales ranked 4th and 5th respectively. Skilled Trades dropped three places to 6th while IT moved up one spot to 7th. Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing complete the top 10 rankings.
Interestingly, IT recorded the largest quarterly increase in job vacancies in Q1 2025. The category posted an increase of 35% quarter-on-quarter and 25% year-on-year. The latest period marked the highest number of IT vacancies in 6 quarters.
Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, with responsibility for NIJobs, notes the encouraging rise of Manufacturing and IT roles in NI, vital drivers of economic growth.
“These are high-value sectors, driving innovation and supporting a skilled workforce that consistently attracts government support and inward investment.”
“In an uncertain climate where employees may be less likely to move, feeling valued is paramount. To retain staff, employers will need to invest in personal development through upskilling, provide tailored financial and mental health support, and foster long-term trust through transparent and open communication.”