Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming economies around the world, and Ireland is no exception. As companies invest in automation, machine learning, and generative AI tools to improve efficiency and cut costs, the nature of work is evolving rapidly. For many workers, this brings opportunities and new careers. But for others, it can mean job uncertainty, redundancy, and the very real possibility of being replaced by a machine.
This article explores the impact of AI on jobs in Ireland, the types of roles most at risk, what employees can do to become more resilient, and practical advice if you find yourself facing redundancy.
The Current Landscape: Jobs and AI in Ireland
AI’s influence in the workplace is a double‑edged sword. On one hand, AI can drive productivity, lead to new types of jobs, and enhance wages for skilled workers. A recent report shows that job numbers in occupations exposed to AI in Ireland increased by 94 % since 2019, and many roles are growing alongside AI adoption. These jobs often require new skills that complement automation, making workers more valuable and able to command higher wages.
However, exposure to AI is not evenly distributed. Government and academic studies suggest that around 30 % of Irish employment is in occupations that could be negatively affected, meaning they are susceptible to substitution by AI and automation rather than simply enhanced by it. Roles such as administrative support, customer service, and routine processing jobs carry a higher risk of restructuring or elimination as technology advances.
This dual trend underscores a reality many workers are already sensing: AI is not just augmenting jobs, it is reshaping them.
Who Is Most at Risk? Common Jobs Being Lost or Restructured
The risk of job displacement varies across sectors and job types. Some of the roles more susceptible to being automated or reduced include:
- Administrative and clerical support: Routine tasks like data entry, scheduling, and basic reporting are increasingly managed by AI tools that can work faster and more accurately than humans.
- Customer service and call centre roles: Chatbots and conversational AI are being used to handle standard inquiries, reducing the need for large teams of human agents.
- Basic accounting and finance roles: Software with AI capabilities can process invoices, manage bookkeeping, and automate compliance work.
- Entry‑level professional tasks: Even in sectors like legal services and financial services, AI tools can draft documentation, analyse contracts, or perform risk assessments, traditional entry points for young graduates.
These changes don’t always lead to outright job losses in every case, often roles evolve, but for many workers the nature of their work will change significantly or disappear altogether.
Which Companies Are Leading the Shift?
Across Ireland and internationally, several major companies have already announced staff reductions that they link, at least in part, to AI adoption or efficiencies gained through automation:
- Tech giants like Microsoft have made global workforce cuts amid a broader AI strategic shift, impacting Irish operations as part of that restructure.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) has also announced hundreds of job losses as AI becomes central to its product and service delivery.
These are not isolated cases. Across the global tech sector, thousands of jobs have been cut as companies balance investment in AI with reducing headcount.
While technology firms often capture headlines, the impact of AI is increasingly seen in other industries too, from finance to insurance, telecoms, and even legal services, wherever routine, repeatable tasks can be automated.
How to Become “AI‑Proof”: Skills and Strategies for Resilience
If you’re worried about job security in the age of AI, the good news is that there are steps you can take to make yourself more resilient and adaptable in the labour market:
1. Reskill and Upskill
AI‑resilient jobs typically require skills that AI cannot easily replicate. These include:
- Complex problem solving
- Creative and strategic thinking
- Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
- Advanced technical or analytical abilities
Investing in education, whether through formal degrees, micro‑credentials, or professional courses, can make you more competitive. Many Irish universities and training providers now offer AI‑related modules geared toward professionals seeking reskilling.
2. Embrace AI Tools, Don’t Fear Them
Rather than seeing AI as a threat, many workers are using it to enhance their productivity. For example, AI can help manage data, write reports, or prepare analytical models, activities that free you up to focus on judgment‑based tasks that former tools could not handle.
3. Focus on Growth Sectors
Healthcare, skilled trades, education, and sectors requiring high human interaction remain less exposed to automation and continue to offer opportunities for stable employment.
4. Stay Adaptable
The speed of change in the AI era means adaptability, the capacity to learn new systems, processes, and skills, is one of the most valuable traits an employee can have.
Redundancy and What to Do If You Lose Your Job
Despite best efforts, AI‑driven restructuring may still lead to redundancy, if you face this situation, here’s practical advice to help you navigate it:
- Understand Your Rights
Under Irish law, redundancy has defined legal protections. Employers must follow fair procedures, consult with employees, and provide statutory redundancy pay where applicable. If these processes are not followed, you may have a claim for unfair dismissal. - Seek Expert Advice
Labour solicitors and employment advisors can help you understand whether redundancy has been handled correctly and assist in negotiating fair redundancy packages. They can also advise on whether you might have claims related to discrimination or unfair dismissals. - Explore Social Supports
The Department of Social Protection offers supports, including jobseekers’ payments and schemes for training or upskilling. - Network and Search Proactively
Connect with professional networks, recruitment agencies, and online job platforms. Many employers are still hiring, particularly for roles that leverage human judgement, creativity, and complex decision‑making.
Looking Forward: The Future of Work in Ireland
The narrative around AI and employment in Ireland is not solely one of loss. Data suggests that AI can boost productivity and contribute to job creation in areas requiring new skills. Yet, the pace of change means workers, employers, and policymakers must act deliberately to ensure that the economy adapts without leaving large sections of the workforce behind.
For individual employees, the message is clear: anticipate change, invest in new skills, and seek help early if redundancy becomes a reality. Ireland’s economy continues to grow and evolve, and those who can align with emerging demands will find opportunities, but preparation and adaptability are now essential.
In an era where technology reshapes work, staying informed, proactive, and resilient is not just beneficial, it’s indispensable.
