FRS Recruitment sees job opportunities in Donegal set to rise 6 percent in 2026

The jobs market in Donegal is forecast to grow by 6% in 2026, according to the 2025 Review & 2026 Trends Forecast report from FRS Recruitment.

The report highlights a national rebound in hiring, following a challenging 2025 which saw a 17% decline in advertised vacancies as companies took a cautious approach to recruitment amidst rising costs and global trade uncertainties. 

“2025 was a challenging year for the Irish jobs market, with multiple headwinds creating a lot of uncertainty for companies to deal with. Despite the difficulties faced by my employers in Donegal last year, our recruiters are anticipating that the market will rebound next year,” said Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment.

Sectors most affected in 2025 included Accounting & Finance, where job postings fell almost 40%, and Agri-food, down by 15%. Businesses responded with increased automation, adoption of artificial intelligence, and a rise in temporary and contract roles, which grew 40% but often went unfilled due to inadequate remuneration.

The report also notes a growing tension between employer return-to-office policies and employee preferences for remote and flexible working, impacting recruitment success. Graduates faced fewer entry-level opportunities, with employers favouring experienced candidates, while international applicants increased competition for available roles.

Looking ahead, McCormack added: “With a tariff agreement now in place, there is much more trading certainty for businesses, and I would expect to see a rebound in the jobs market for 2026. Overall, Ireland’s economy continues to grow, and the labour market remains tight, meaning companies will need to compete for talent.”

Explore the full report to benchmark your recruitment strategies for 2026.

(Photo credits to BiljaST/Pixabay)