The spring of 2025 has ushered in a period of economic uncertainty for Ireland, driven largely by a wave of corporate layoffs. From multinational technology firms to household retail names, companies across various sectors are reducing their workforce as they navigate shifting global and local challenges. At Elite Talent Hub, we are seeing firsthand how these changes are reshaping the employment landscape.
Technology Sector Takes a Hit
The technology industry has been among the hardest hit. Global tech giant Intel has announced plans to cut up to 20% of its workforce as part of a broader restructuring effort, putting hundreds of Irish jobs at risk, particularly at its Leixlip facility (Source).
Similarly, Workday, which employs over 1,900 people in Dublin, announced a global reduction of 1,750 roles, citing the need to refocus investment priorities toward artificial intelligence (Source). Meanwhile, VMware’s Cork operations are also undergoing cuts, with over 360 jobs impacted following the company’s acquisition by Broadcom (Source).
Social media giant Meta plans to cut approximately 5% of its global workforce. With around 2,000 staff based in Ireland, the local implications remain under review (Source). Likewise, TikTok is considering up to 300 redundancies at its Dublin office as part of a larger restructuring within its parent company ByteDance (Source).
Manufacturing and Industrial Reductions
Ireland’s pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors are also under strain. Pfizer has just confirmed plans to cut 210 jobs across its Irish manufacturing sites, citing declining global demand for COVID-19 treatments (Source).
There are additional concerns following Airbus's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ operations. While approximately 1,500 jobs linked to Airbus production are secure, uncertainty looms for up to 2,000 other workers in Belfast (Source).
Retail Closures Exacerbate Employment Challenges
Retail is another sector feeling the pressure. New Look is set to close all 26 of its Irish stores, with many having closed already, resulting in the loss of 347 jobs (Source). This move highlights the continued difficulties faced by traditional retailers struggling against online competition and reduced consumer spending.
In the financial services sector, BNY Mellon announced the closure of its Wexford operations, leading to over 300 job losses (Source).
Navigating the Uncertainty
At Elite Talent Hub, we understand the profound impact that job losses can have on individuals, families, and communities. For professionals affected by these layoffs, it is more important than ever to remain proactive, adaptable, and open to new opportunities. Upskilling, networking, and partnering with experienced recruitment agencies can provide critical support during periods of career transition.
For employers, retaining and attracting top talent amid widespread uncertainty requires a renewed focus on transparency, career development opportunities, and employee engagement strategies.
Elite Talent Hub is here to help. We are actively recruiting for a wide range of opportunities across sectors including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and retail. Our expert team works closely with job seekers to understand their skills, career goals, and aspirations, connecting them with employers who value their experience.
Browse our latest jobs here or contact us directly to discuss how we can support your career journey.