The Impact of Automation on the Irish Job Market

Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay words by Oleh Koropenko

The rise of artificial intelligence and automation have created uncertainty for Irish jobseekers. Are these fears justified? In this post, we’ll examine this question more closely.

Are the Fears Justified?

Fear of automation is something that our economy has faced many times in the past. It’s also a common fear globally. According to Team Stage, 37% of young American workers feel the same way.

They might have a point. Entry-level jobs tend to be more at risk because they don’t require specialist knowledge. In Ireland, the statistics seem to bear this out.

According to the Nevin Economic Research Institute, employment for Irish youth has decreased. The average rate of employment for those aged 15 to 24 years dropped from 60.6% in 1999 to 42.85% in 2019.

If we analyse the statistics across all age groups, the picture changes. The NERI research showed that overall employment has increased from 66.9% to 70.2% between 1999 and 2019.

Why Is There a Disparity in Statistics?

The statistics show that while employment is down in some sectors, overall employment has increased. The disparity shows that automation has less of an impact than previously feared.

Jobs Are Changing, Not Disappearing

The statistics point to a changing job environment. While automation may reduce the work available in some areas, it creates employment in others.

In a bottling plant, for example, robots might replace some of the human employees. The business will still need someone to maintain the machinery. This is work that didn’t exist before.

At first glance, it seems as though we’re losing more jobs than we’re gaining. It’s also important to consider the ancillary effects of using robots. Burgeoning cybercrime has created a need for cybersecurity specialists.

The creation and sales of the machinery is another industry adjustment to consider. Administration tasks in these companies also need to be handled by someone.

As a result, there are far more new jobs to consider than it seems at first.

Technology May Improve or Hinder the Job Market

Remote working is also changing the face of the job industry. Irish nationals may seek remote work outside of Ireland. Borders are no longer a restriction to employment.

Where this works against the job environment is that employers have access to a global pool of talent.

Businesses may outsource their administrative functions to contractors in countries that accept lower wages. Contractors in India may be willing to accept far lower wages than someone living in Europe, for example.

Again, entry-level workers are the ones most likely to be affected.

What’s the Solution?

The solution for Irish workers is to reconsider their training and look for opportunities. As we move forward, more functions will become automated. We have to consider reskilling ourselves so that we’re prepared.

On the bright side, eight out of the top ten global automation companies operate plants in Ireland. With the growing nature of this industry, this bodes well for our job market.

Should the Government Get Involved?

Some believe that the government should put measures in place to protect workers. It’s one solution, but it might impact the competitive advantage that businesses in the country enjoy. Furthermore, it makes it less likely for firms to invest in the future.

Final Notes

The debate about robotics and artificial intelligence replacing human employees isn’t as simple as it seems. There are no easy answers here.

Anxiety arising from job losses is real and possibly valid. It’s important not to overlook the potential opportunities that new technology creates, however.

What’s needed most is for job seekers to re-evaluate their own value. They should consider upskilling to meet the needs of the changing market.

Author bio: Oleh Koropenko is a big fan of technology and a passionate traveller.

Reach him out @DMGeekcom

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