Increasing search for part-time work as cost of living falls

The search for casual and weekend work has skyrocketed as households grapple with rising living costs, which far outpace wage growth.

New data from jobs site Indeed shows what is being described as a noticeable increase in job searches for part-time, weekend work and no-experience jobs.

Employment data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) this week is likely to show a record number of people in work in Ireland, but the hunt for part-time jobs could be a sign that members of households have been able to rest comfortably on a wage or two, while earners are now looking for extra income , as inflation eats away at real incomes.

In fact, economist Jack Kennedy said the trend likely reflects people who need flexibility, like parents, students, or people in semi-retirement who want to get involved in ways that fit their lives.

“These trends clearly show that job seekers are feeling the pinch right now, with wage growth at about half the rate of inflation,” he said.

“Salary, benefits and job security are top priorities for them when considering their careers, but it’s possible that we will see less job hopping as people become cautious about moving in an uncertain environment.”

The fact that many jobs are actively being sought for jobs that “do not require experience” offers employers an opportunity, he said.

“If on-the-job training can be provided, declaring prior skills not required could be a great way to access a pool of untapped candidates when we reach full employment.”

Indeed data also shows strong interest from abroad to come to Ireland.

The top two searches in Ireland were “visa sponsorship, healthcare assistant” (up 532%) and “visa sponsorship, elderly care” (up 421%), while “working visa sponsorship” came sixth (up 214%).

According to Indeed job posting data, childcare saw the largest increase in advertised salaries last year (+17 percent). However, the latest figures from Indeed wage tracker show an overall slowdown in wage growth in Ireland to 4.4 per cent in December, below the 2022 peak.