Record employment levels in companies supported by government agencies

The Annual Employment Survey 2021 finds record employment levels in clients companies of Government agencies, Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta, at over 491,638 jobs, which is a 6.3% increase on 2020 figures.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar T.D. published two surveys on the Irish economy, which demonstrate the strength of Ireland’s economy despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and Brexit.

The Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact 2020 shows strong growth in sales, exports, value-added and direct expenditures in the Irish economy for both Irish and foreign-owned companies in 2020.

The Tánaiste said:

“These results show that despite the immense challenges faced by businesses over the past couple of years, employment in companies supported by Government is now at the highest ever level. That’s remarkable. It’s a testament to the fortitude of the businesses in question and the dedication and flexibility of the staff in Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

“While these are really positive results, I am of course aware that they don’t capture the full story and that the pandemic has been devastating for many sectors and indeed many are still really struggling. Government is on hand to help those that need it. Our agencies are often the first port of call for that help, and I encourage anyone who needs some advice to reach out and see what assistance is available.”

Record Employment Top findings

Among Irish owned firms the Construction, energy and waste sector increased its share from 6.9% to 10.0% between the years 2021-2021 and employment increased by 6.5%, an increase of 12,580 jobs since 2020. ICT Services is the fastest-growing sector. Over a third (38.8%) of FDI companies work in that sector and employment in FDI firms increased by 6.2% since 2020, with 16,621 additional jobs. Employment growth was recorded in all eight regions between 2012-2021, with over 55% of full-time employment in both Irish-owned and FDI companies now coming from outside of Dublin. Total sales amounted to €353.6 billion in 2020 which represents an increase of 8.0% in current prices on the previous year’s figure of €327.3 billion.

Total exports in 2020 amounted to €318.6 billion, an increase of 8.6% on the previous year of €293.3 billion, with 92.4% of these exports being from foreign-owned enterprises. Direct Expenditure in the Irish Economy (Payroll, Irish Materials, Irish Services) has increased over 2019 by 4.5% to €57.4 billion in 2020. The level of direct expenditure in the Irish economy by foreign-owned client companies was €29.8 billion and €27.6 billion for Irish-owned client companies. Value-added (sales fewer materials and services costs) has also increased over this time-series and in 2020 amounted to €137.3 billion, up 16.8% on the previous year with 62.7% of this increase attributable to the foreign-owned IT services sector.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment coordinate these surveys of the client companies of the enterprise development agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta). The results are presented by company ownership in terms of Irish and foreign-owned firms.

The indicators collected include annual sales and exports and payroll, materials and services costs. Data collected in 2020 and 2021 are merged with results of previous surveys to provide trend data and indicators are available by ownership and sector and are used by the agencies in their annual reports and end-of-year statements.

Agencies have commenced surveys of client companies for the 2021 Annual Business Survey of Economic Impact with all results expected in early 2023.