The key area to watch in 2026 will be the jobs market. Already disadvantaged in Ireland by expensive housing and sky-high rents, they are most exposed by the latest jobs market trends. It points out that, in general, younger people are harder hit in times of uncertainty in the jobs market. Over time, as we have seen in the past, younger people adjust their educational choices to the jobs available. The jobs market is entering a big transition and younger people are the ones in the firing line.

Source: The Irish Times February 22, 2026 13:01 UTC