Northern Ireland's job market experienced a robust start to 2025, with job vacancies soaring by 20% compared to the final quarter of 2024, according to the latest NIJobs Job Report.

The report revealed a 7% increase in job listings year-on-year and a significant 44% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. Encouragingly, almost 80% of employment categories saw an uptick in hiring intentions relative to the previous quarter.

However, the positive trends may be short-lived, with the report suggesting a potential "calm before the storm" as local businesses brace for the impact of higher employer costs and increasing global economic uncertainty.

Authored by leading economist Richard Ramsey, the NIJobs Job Report analyses hiring trends and in-demand roles against the backdrop of the current economic climate.

Mr Ramsey commented: "The Northern Ireland economy began 2025 with reasonable economic momentum and a strong labour market. Unemployment remains at historic lows and employment has never been higher."

However, he cautioned about the potential fallout from international developments. "However, Donald Trump’s first 100 days triggered a surge in uncertainty as he seeks to upend the global order of the last 70 years. His tariff announcements, which amount to the biggest increase in tariffs in a century, have caused ructions on the financial markets. The local labour market, on the other hand, is in the calm before the storm."

Mr Ramsey highlighted the challenges posed by fluctuating trade policies. "The chopping and changing in tariffs make it extremely difficult for businesses, particularly those that are reliant on trade, to plan ahead. This uncertainty will impact on investment and ultimately hiring decisions at home and abroad. Heightened uncertainty is the new (ab)normal. Employers and employees are likely to be more cautious in the months ahead." Despite the anticipated slowdown, the local job market demonstrated significant resilience in the first quarter. Manufacturing and Engineering job listings saw substantial quarterly increases of 32% and 20% respectively, rebounding from 15-quarter lows. The Health sector also experienced a strong surge, with a 51% quarterly rise, reaching a two-year high in job listings.

Social Care maintained its position as the sector with the most vacancies (8.1%) for the second consecutive quarter, recording its highest number of listings in two-and-a-half years. Management climbed to second place, accounting for the largest share of the quarterly net gains in vacancies and also reaching a 10-quarter high.

Interestingly, the IT sector recorded the largest quarterly increase in job vacancies, with a rise of 35% compared to the previous quarter and 25% year-on-year, marking the highest number of IT vacancies in six quarters.

Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland, responsible for NIJobs, noted the encouraging growth in Manufacturing and IT roles as key drivers for the local economy. "These are high-value sectors, driving innovation and supporting a skilled workforce that consistently attracts government support and inward investment."

Looking ahead, Mr Dooley emphasised the importance of employee retention in an uncertain climate. "In an uncertain climate where employees may be less likely to move, feeling valued is paramount. To retain staff, employers will need to invest in personal development through upskilling, provide tailored financial and mental health support, and foster long-term trust through transparent and open communication."

The latest NIJobs Job Report paints a picture of a currently buoyant local job market facing potential headwinds from global economic instability, highlighting the need for both employers and employees to navigate the coming months with caution and strategic planning.