The ESRI recently released a report which examines the difference between the skills possessed by employees and those required to do their job. The report finds that greater skill utilisation and skilled migration are required to support a productive and competitive economy. The research examines the difference between the skills possessed by employees and those required to do their job. The report also explores sources of future skilled labour supply, including Ireland’s ability to attract high-skilled migrant workers.
According to the report, 46% of full-time Irish employees believe their skills are greater than those required to do their job. This is the fourth highest rate of skill underutilisation out of 28 EU countries. Meanwhile, approximately 8% of Irish employees state that their skill levels are below what is required to do their job. While this is much lower than the rate of skill underutilisation, it is still relatively high by European standards.
The report also finds that Ireland attracts high-skilled migrant workers. The share of foreign-born full-time workers with third-level education in Ireland is the third highest in the EU, at 57%.
Paul Redmond, Research Officer, ESRI, stated, “Cultivating a skilled labour force is key to supporting a productive and competitive economy. As this analysis finds evidence of skill underutilisation in Ireland, policymakers must consider new approaches that harness the education and skills already acquired by workers.”
