Growing worry among Midlands workers that AI will drive job losses
However, a survey commissioned by FRS also reveals that only a fraction of Irish firms use AI for job tasks
Some 60% of Midlands workers believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will either negatively impact or replace their roles, and the 2026 Employment Insights Report reveals this rate of concern is substantially higher than the average 45% total for all workers with AI fears across Ireland.
Comparing the last five years of survey results, FRS Recruitment, which has an office in Portlaoise, found that the use of AI in the workplace has grown from curiosity to capability. Results showed that the majority of workers began to experiment with AI in 2024 before it became a mainstream working tool in 2025.
Despite concerns for workers and employers’ expectations that AI will reshape work, the 2026 report reveals that only a fraction of companies in Ireland (3.6%) have so far used AI technology to replace a full job or role within their organisation. Although businesses do anticipate future disruption to the jobs market, large-scale workforce replacement has not yet materialised.
At the same time, employee adoption of AI continues to grow at pace. Half of Midlands-based workers (50%) now report using AI regularly or occasionally in their role. Despite the growth of AI technology adoption in the workplace, the 2026 Employment Insights Report found that just 18% of companies between Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford currently provide proper AI training to their staff.
Hiring
Overall, the Irish jobs market remains quite resilient despite the myriad of geopolitical and economic uncertainties that have emerged over the past year. Having slowed significantly last year, the 2026 Employment Insights Report from FRS Recruitment shows that business confidence has improved this year, with a significant uptick in hiring activity.
Almost two-thirds (65%) of companies in Ireland have already commenced recruitment campaigns this year, representing an 11-point rise compared to the same time last year. A further 10% of companies say they intend to start hiring within the next 3 months.
The biggest standout trend among employers so far in 2026 is the focus on retention. More than two-thirds (68%) of survey respondents said staff retention will be their number one priority in their company this year. Comparing this to 2023, employers were mainly seeking new staff. Today's employer is less worried about filling vacancies than losing experienced staff, representing a major strategic shift for HR.
On the employee side, priorities have shifted away from working from home policies to career opportunities over the last 5 years. Coming out of lockdown in 2023, conversations about hybrid and remote working dominated job interviews and were cited by 28% of workers as a reason to change jobs. In 2024, more employers began to introduce return-to-office policies and now in 2026, the debate is largely over. Today's workforce accepts hybrid working as the normal model. Fully remote working continues to decline, accounting for just 12% of workers in the Midlands.
Salary
One trend has remained dominant over the last 5 years even though the reasons may have changed; salary remains the dominant factor for workers when evaluating new opportunities with 83% of respondents identifying it as their top priority. In 2023, career opportunities and progression were the other main priorities for workers, however in 2026, all of the top factors affecting a worker’s choice were financially driven: the cost-of-living and financial security.
More than half of workers believe their current pay does not accurately reflect their responsibilities, while a majority expect to receive a salary increase over the coming year.
Additionally, workers increasingly believe that changing employer offers the greatest opportunity to improve earnings, reinforcing the competitive nature of the current labour market. Two-thirds (66%) said moving to a new employer is more likely to help them achieve the salary they want, compared with staying in their current organisation.
Other key figures in Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford:
- 75% of employers said that the outbreak of war in the Middle East is having a negative impact on their business
- 42% of Midlands people have fears about their job security
- 60% have cut back on spending on entertainment and clothing due to the rising cost of living.
- 62% would not consider taking a pay cut, even if their job was at risk.
- 77% say work-life balance is a top priority when considering a new job.
Camross resident and Group CEO of FRS Colin Donnery, commented on the report findings.
“Following a cautious approach to hiring throughout 2025, Midlands-based employers have entered 2026 with more confidence. Today’s jobs market has not returned to the frantic conditions of 2022. Instead, it has entered a healthier, more sustainable growth phase where employers are investing selectively rather than hiring at all costs.
“Perhaps the most significant emerging trend identified in this year's report is the growing adoption of AI technology in Irish workplaces. While concerns about the long-term impact of AI on employment are increasing among both employers and employees, the evidence suggests that its influence is currently being felt primarily through the automation of tasks rather than the replacement of entire roles,” he said.
Lynne McCormack is the General Manager of FRS Recruitment.
“Against a backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, rising living costs and accelerating technological change, the findings of the 2026 Employment Insights Report reveal a labour market that remains resilient, while also highlighting significant shifts in recruitment, workforce priorities and employee behaviour.
“In this year’s report, we have also reflected and compared the results of our 5 previous surveys. Interestingly, employers’ attitudes have shifted substantially in recent years. In 2026, focus has been on staff retention, artificial intelligence, upskilling workers, salary reviews, wellbeing, and pay transparency – the majority of these topics were barely discussed five years ago. This showcases that Irish employers are becoming much more strategic about workforce management,” said the GM.