Photo: derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Topic 03 of 18 · Country Index 2026
Ireland: Work & Labour
Can people find work, and on what terms?
Ireland is placed joint 83rd of 182 countries on work & labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics. Readings behind it: Employment-to-Population Ratio 61.84 (2025); Labour Income Share 29.23 (2025).
Share
Work & Labour
joint83rd
of 182 countries placed
Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics
01The evidence
The 4 key statistics that decide it
Only these place Ireland on work & labour — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.
Key 1 of 4
Employment-to-Population Ratio
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
61.84
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Higher is better
Ireland: 61.84. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 21.21 (São Tomé and Príncipe) to 86.9 (Qatar); the world median is 57.72.
- World median
- 57.72
- Best in Northern Europe
- 72.21 Iceland
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 58.46
Key 3 of 4
Unemployment Rate
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
4.632
Unemployment (% of labour force)
Lower is better
Ireland: 4.632. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.13 (Qatar) to 34.2 (Eswatini); the world median is 5.084.
- World median
- 5.084
- Best in Northern Europe
- 3.625 Iceland
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 4.746
Key 4 of 4
Vulnerable Employment
International Labour Organization (ILO)
2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY 4.0
9.638
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Lower is better
Ireland: 9.638. Across the 182 countries in this edition, values run from 0.456 (Qatar) to 90.22 (Chad); the world median is 28.67.
- World median
- 28.67
- Best in Northern Europe
- 4.166 Norway
- Land neighbours
- United Kingdom 11.53
02Over time
Which way Ireland is moving
Each key’s published value, edition by edition, beside the world median. The Country Index 2026 is the first edition of the standing, so the standing itself has no history to chart yet.
Employment-to-Population Ratio
Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%) · higher is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland rose from 61.58 in 2000 to 61.84 in 2025; the world median went from 55.86 to 57.72.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2025 61.84 57.720 2024 62.22 57.694 2023 63.38 58.158 2022 61.57 57.688 2021 59.51 56.066 2020 57.66 55.691 2019 59.23 57.871 2018 58.58 56.911 2017 57.76 56.738 2016 56.92 56.845 2015 55.66 56.788 2014 54.39 56.774 2013 53.40 56.229 2012 52.07 56.289 2011 52.42 56.297 2010 53.50 56.212 2009 56.00 56.255 2008 61.47 57.308 2007 63.30 56.933 2006 63.21 56.685 2005 62.88 56.129 2004 61.47 55.465 2003 61.43 55.630 2002 61.71 55.843 2001 62.09 56.018 2000 61.58 55.861 Labour Income Share
Labour income share of GDP (%) · higher is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland fell from 53.47 in 2004 to 29.23 in 2025; the world median went from 46.01 to 46.23.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2025 29.23 46.230 2024 31.57 46.060 2023 33.72 45.900 2022 29.25 45.615 2021 30.39 45.433 2020 33.56 47.267 2019 34.78 46.277 2018 35.41 46.187 2017 35.81 46.467 2016 37.36 46.798 2015 35.67 46.876 2014 46.07 47.281 2013 48.93 46.887 2012 50.45 46.231 2011 51.33 45.679 2010 53.86 46.024 2009 55.83 47.071 2008 56.58 45.312 2007 53.95 45.246 2006 52.56 45.670 2005 53.08 46.265 2004 53.47 46.012 Unemployment Rate
Unemployment (% of labour force) · lower is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland rose from 4.318 in 2000 to 4.632 in 2025; the world median went from 6.918 to 5.084.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2025 4.632 5.08 2024 4.300 5.15 2023 4.243 5.21 2022 4.465 5.34 2021 6.357 6.04 2020 5.623 6.38 2019 4.950 5.36 2018 5.741 5.35 2017 6.713 5.59 2016 8.374 5.90 2015 9.908 6.41 2014 11.858 6.58 2013 13.735 6.71 2012 15.451 6.79 2011 15.354 6.90 2010 14.534 7.04 2009 12.609 6.67 2008 6.774 5.79 2007 4.980 6.00 2006 4.355 6.50 2005 4.237 7.09 2004 4.491 6.80 2003 4.478 6.95 2002 4.216 6.91 2001 3.684 6.96 2000 4.318 6.92 Vulnerable Employment
Vulnerable employment (% of total employment) · lower is better
IrelandWorld median
Ireland fell from 15.66 in 2000 to 9.638 in 2025; the world median went from 35.67 to 28.67.
Every year’s figures
Year Ireland World median 2025 9.64 28.67 2024 9.72 29.04 2023 10.32 29.33 2022 10.18 29.67 2021 10.52 30.01 2020 10.77 30.54 2019 10.42 29.98 2018 11.02 30.15 2017 11.54 29.93 2016 12.36 29.91 2015 12.69 30.26 2014 13.30 30.47 2013 13.52 31.14 2012 13.37 31.00 2011 13.31 31.41 2010 13.67 32.37 2009 13.85 32.59 2008 13.19 31.76 2007 12.77 33.47 2006 12.76 34.27 2005 13.73 34.66 2004 14.24 35.51 2003 14.16 35.90 2002 14.46 35.96 2001 14.86 35.27 2000 15.66 35.67
03In context
Ireland beside its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 182 countries on work & labour, never a place within the region.
Ireland and the countries it borders
Standing among all 182; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.
| Country | Standing | Employment-to-Population RatioEmployed share of the population aged 15+ (%) | Labour Income ShareLabour income share of GDP (%) | Unemployment RateUnemployment (% of labour force) | Vulnerable EmploymentVulnerable employment (% of total employment) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 United Kingdom | 33rd | 58.46 | 57.7 | 4.746 | 11.53 |
| Ireland | =83rd | 61.84 | 29.23 | 4.632 | 9.638 |
“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is
Across Northern Europe
Every country in the sub-region, by its place among all 182.
Placed either side on work & labour
The countries immediately above and below Ireland in the topic’s list.
04Context, no vote
Where Ireland is ahead of the world, and behind
33 more statistics filed under work & labour, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.
Ahead of the world median21
Statistics on which Ireland does better than the middle country measured.
Labour Productivity per Hour WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 22.16164.6522.16No real change since 2015
Ireland: 164.65 · world median 22.16 · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.92 to 164.65; higher is better.
Position 1st of 182 · derived.
GDP per Person EmployedWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 47,384259,30447,384No real change since 2015
Ireland: 259,304 · world median 47,384 · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 2,456 to 262,554; higher is better.
Position 2nd of 168 · derived.
Unemployment Benefit CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 01000No earlier reading
Ireland: 100 · world median 0 · Unemployed people receiving unemployment benefits (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Compliance with Labour RightsILO · 2024 · world median 1.6101.61▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 0 · world median 1.61 · Compliance with freedom of association and collective bargaining rights (0 = best, 10 = worst). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 10; lower is better.
Youth Not in Education, Employment or TrainingILO · 2024 · world median 14.315.66714.31▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 5.667 · world median 14.31 · Youth not in education, employment or training (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.975 to 65.73; lower is better.
Position 93rd of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Maternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 9818298No real change since 2015
Ireland: 182 · world median 98 · Paid maternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 410; higher is better.
Human Capital Wealth per CapitaWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 25,230371,23025,230No real change since 2010
Ireland: 371,230 · world median 25,230 · Human capital per person — present value of future earnings (real chained 2019 US$). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 700.38 to 735,422; higher is better.
Position 10th of 151 · derived.
Firms Offering Formal TrainingWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 32.0762.3832.07No earlier reading
Ireland: 62.38 · world median 32.07 · Firms offering formal training to permanent full-time workers (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.42 to 79.12; higher is better.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added per WorkerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 6,74245,2526,742▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 45,252 · world median 6,742 · Agricultural value added per worker (constant 2015 US$). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 210.77 to 150,632; higher is better.
Position 18th of 151 · derived.
Average Monthly Earnings of EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 1,6365,4411,636▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 5,441 · world median 1,636 · Average monthly earnings of employees (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 193.28 to 9,307; higher is better.
Position 10th of 75 · derived.
Informal Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 36.763.41936.76No earlier reading
Ireland: 3.419 · world median 36.76 · Informal employment (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.857 to 94.44; lower is better.
Position 83rd of 97 · derived, 1st = worst.
Length of Paid Paternity LeaveWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 3143▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 14 · world median 3 · Paid paternity leave set in law (calendar days). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 196; higher is better.
Employment Injury Protection CoverageILO · 2024 · world median 45.982.845.9No earlier reading
Ireland: 82.8 · world median 45.9 · Labour force covered in the event of a work injury (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.
Trade Union DensityILO · 2020 · world median 16.6825.3916.68No earlier reading
Ireland: 25.39 · world median 16.68 · Employees who are trade union members (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2020 edition, data for 2020.
Published values in that edition run from 0.2 to 91.42; higher is better.
Position 38th of 139 · derived.
Female Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 53.3659.7653.36▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 59.76 · world median 53.36 · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 4.663 to 82.91; higher is better.
Position 50th of 182 · derived.
Low Pay RateILO · 2024 · world median 17.8913.117.89No real change since 2014
Ireland: 13.1 · world median 17.89 · Employees paid less than two-thirds of the median hourly earnings (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 3.395 to 41.69; lower is better.
Position 51st of 71 · derived, 1st = worst.
Labour Force Participation RateILO · 2025 · world median 61.6664.8461.66▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 64.84 · world median 61.66 · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.34 to 87.01; higher is better.
Position 61st of 182 · derived.
Firms Competing Against Informal FirmsWorld Bank Group · 2026 · world median 41.8133.3841.81No earlier reading
Ireland: 33.38 · world median 41.81 · Firms competing against unregistered or informal firms (%). World Bank Group, 2026 edition, data for 2026.
Published values in that edition run from 1.926 to 90.5; lower is better.
Position 117th of 181 · derived, 1st = worst.
Fatal Occupational InjuriesILO · 2023 · world median 2.0051.472.005▼ Worsened since 2013
Ireland: 1.47 · world median 2.005 · Fatal occupational injuries per 100,000 workers. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023 edition, data for 2023.
Published values in that edition run from 0.12 to 8.409; lower is better.
Female Share of Senior and Middle ManagementILO · 2024 · world median 35.8637.7935.86▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 37.79 · world median 35.86 · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 7.226 to 56.69; higher is better.
Position 35th of 86 · derived.
Youth Unemployment RateILO · 2025 · world median 12.8310.4912.83▲ Improved since 2015
Ireland: 10.49 · world median 12.83 · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.457 to 76.77; lower is better.
Position 105th of 182 · derived, 1st = worst.
Behind the world median4
Statistics on which Ireland does worse than the middle country measured.
Firms with a Female Top ManagerWorld Bank Group · 2025 · world median 19.1616.1219.16No earlier reading
Ireland: 16.12 · world median 19.16 · Firms with a female top manager (%). World Bank Group, 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 1.429 to 62.9; higher is better.
Position 112th of 179 · derived.
Composite Rate of Labour Underutilisation (LU4)ILO · 2024 · world median 12.5615.5712.56▲ Improved since 2014
Ireland: 15.57 · world median 12.56 · Composite rate of labour underutilisation, LU4 (% of the extended labour force). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 1.495 to 49.82; lower is better.
Position 28th of 76 · derived, 1st = worst.
Gini Index of Monthly EarningsILO · 2024 · world median 0.3370.40.337▼ Worsened since 2014
Ireland: 0.4 · world median 0.337 · Gini index of employees’ monthly earnings (0 = all paid the same, 1 = maximum inequality). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.182 to 0.643; lower is better.
Position 18th of 75 · derived, 1st = worst.
Labour Inspectors per 10,000 Employed PersonsILO · 2024 · world median 0.5750.230.575No earlier reading
Ireland: 0.23 · world median 0.575 · Labour inspectors per 10,000 employed persons. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.07 to 3.89; higher is better.
No better end8
These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.
Statutory Minimum WageILO · 2024 · world median 657.952,433657.95No real change since 2014
Ireland: 2,433 · world median 657.95 · Statutory minimum wage per month (2021 PPP $). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 4.038 to 3,804.
Public Sector EmploymentWorld Bank Group · 2022 · world median 15.0129.3315.01No earlier reading
Ireland: 29.33 · world median 15.01 · Public sector employment (% of total employment). World Bank Group, 2022 edition, data for 2022.
Published values in that edition run from 1.672 to 47.1.
Position 18th of 135 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in ServicesILO · 2025 · world median 59.5177.9359.51No real change since 2015
Ireland: 77.93 · world median 59.51 · Employment in services (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 11.56 to 92.17.
Position 30th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in IndustryILO · 2025 · world median 18.8818.2118.88No real change since 2015
Ireland: 18.21 · world median 18.88 · Employment in industry (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 3.103 to 39.44.
Position 104th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Employment in AgricultureILO · 2025 · world median 14.383.85314.38No real change since 2015
Ireland: 3.853 · world median 14.38 · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.095 to 85.34.
Position 136th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Share of Temporary EmployeesILO · 2024 · world median 13.457.21213.45Moved since 2014
Ireland: 7.212 · world median 13.45 · Employees on temporary contracts (% of employees). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2024 edition, data for 2024.
Published values in that edition run from 0.337 to 72.78.
Self-Employment RateILO · 2025 · world median 31.8413.3731.84Moved since 2015
Ireland: 13.37 · world median 31.84 · Self-employed (% of total employment). International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 0.832 to 91.56.
Position 146th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
Average Weekly Hours WorkedILO · 2025 · world median 38.8930.4538.89Moved since 2015
Ireland: 30.45 · world median 38.89 · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person. International Labour Organization (ILO), 2025 edition, data for 2025.
Published values in that edition run from 23.64 to 54.7.
Position 170th of 182 · derived, counted from the highest value.
No current reading for Ireland
Working Poverty Rate. Listed rather than hidden, so the page can be checked against it.
“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing
05Country Index 2026
Work & Labour among Ireland’s 16 topics
Work & Labour is Ireland’s 15th best-placed topic of 16. Strongest first, each marker at its share of that topic’s field.
- Development & Human Capital6th of 1963/3 keys
- Democracy & Civil Libertiesjoint 8th of 1984/4 keys
- Governance & Institutionsjoint 10th of 1944/4 keys
- Poverty & Inequality9th of 1593/3 keys
- Peace & Security13th of 1774/4 keys
- Food & Agriculture17th of 1844/4 keys
- Economy & Innovation19th of 1764/4 keys
- Risk & Resilience22nd of 1934/4 keys
- Education & Knowledge23rd of 1983/4 keys
- Gender & Equality22nd of 1834/4 keys
- Digital & Technologyjoint 28th of 1984/4 keys
- Mobility & Trade33rd of 1774/4 keys
- Health & Wellbeing40th of 2003/4 keys
- Energy41st of 1653/3 keys
- Work & Labourjoint 83rd of 1824/4 keys
- Environment & Sustainability101st of 1863/4 keys
06The top of the list
Who leads on work & labour
The three countries placed highest of 182, and the leaders Ireland can most readily be measured against.
1
IcelandNorthern Europe
1st of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Hansueli Krapf · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
2
JapanEastern Asia
2nd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: JurriaanH · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale
3
South KoreaEastern Asia
3rd of 182 · 4 of 4 keys
Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 2.0, greyscale
Placed highest nearby
Highest in Europe
Iceland1st4/4 keysThis page
Ireland=83rd4/4 keys
Positions out of 182 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.
07Analysis
Charts and analysis about Ireland and work & labour
On work & labour
Countries in Asia with the highest average salaries 2024
Thirteen Asian countries by gross average monthly wage, each carrying its WORLD rank rather than an Asian one — so the numbers skip, from 11th place to 45th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Highest Average Salaries in 2024
The ten highest-paying countries of 2024, their bars coloured by continent, and six more added for comparison — from Australia in 13th place to India in 85th.
On work & labour
Countries With The Lowest Average Salaries in 2024
The bottom ten of 196 countries, and six more added for comparison. Niger, Madagascar and Liberia are all published at US$47 a month and still carry three different ranks.
08Questions
Ireland on work & labour: questions answered
Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.
How does Ireland rank on work & labour?
Ireland is placed joint 83rd of 182 countries on Work & Labour in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Employment-to-Population Ratio, Labour Income Share, Unemployment Rate and Vulnerable Employment). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.
What is the latest Employment-to-Population Ratio figure for Ireland?
61.84 in 2025 (employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 57.72.
What is the latest Labour Income Share figure for Ireland?
29.23 in 2025 (labour income share of GDP (%)), according to International Labour Organization (ILO). The world median in the same edition was 46.23.
How does Ireland compare with United Kingdom on work & labour?
United Kingdom is placed 33rd of 182, and Ireland joint 83rd. Employment-to-Population Ratio: United Kingdom 58.46, Ireland 61.84; Labour Income Share: United Kingdom 57.7, Ireland 29.23; Unemployment Rate: United Kingdom 4.746, Ireland 4.632; Vulnerable Employment: United Kingdom 11.53, Ireland 9.638.
How have Ireland’s work & labour figures changed?
Employment-to-Population Ratio rose from 61.58 in 2000 to 61.84 in 2025; Labour Income Share fell from 53.47 in 2004 to 29.23 in 2025; Unemployment Rate rose from 4.318 in 2000 to 4.632 in 2025; Vulnerable Employment fell from 15.66 in 2000 to 9.638 in 2025.
Which work & labour statistics are missing for Ireland?
No current reading is published for Ireland on Working Poverty Rate. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.
09Method
Method, sources and how to cite
What this topic does not measure
Wages in money terms are not a key here, because pay figures are hard to compare fairly across countries with very different prices. Labour productivity, working hours, youth unemployment and the balance between farming, industry and services are published on this page as context. The size and growth of the wider economy belong to Economy & Innovation.
How the Work & Labour standing is decided
A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.
The work & labour method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built
The key statistics and their licences
- Employment-to-Population Ratio — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Labour Income Share — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Unemployment Rate — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
- Vulnerable Employment — International Labour Organization (ILO), CC BY 4.0
The other 33 statistics on this page come from 2 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Photographs
Ireland’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.
- Ireland (banner) — derivative work: Jjtkk, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Iceland — Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Japan — JurriaanH, CC BY-SA 3.0
- South Korea — Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Ireland: Work & Labour — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/ireland/work