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The Learning & Development Institute, founded in 1969, is the professional body representing members concerned with Learning and Talent Development in Ireland.

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Irish SME: Skill Shortages, Recruitment and Retention Strategies

By Gerard Walker, Future Jobs-Skills-Work Insights

Labour and skill shortages

Over the last decade, labour and skills shortages have increased across EU countries. These shortages are being driven by skills demand linked to technological change, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and demographic trends reducing the working-age population (although for Ireland, this remained positive due to the effect of immigration). There are also challenges arising from labour shortages due to poor working conditions in some sectors and locations.In Ireland's case, the labour market has also tightened, with employment at a high of 2,704,200 and unemployment low at 4.1% in June 2024.

The EU Eurobarometer survey of skill shortages, retention, and recruitment strategies of SMEs across Europe provides valuable insights for learning and development professionals. SMEs are defined as companies employing under 249 employees, accounting for 70% of persons employed in Ireland. This articlefalse

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