Over half of firms ‘will hike employee salaries this year'

Extra.ie​

23-06-2025

More than half of companies in Ireland claim they will offer staff a pay rise this year, a survey has found.
According to the research, 55% of employers expect to provide a raise of approximately 1% to 3%, while 26% of firms said they expect to boost wages by 4.5% to 5% and 6% expect to give an increase of between 6% and 10%.
However, 11% of employers also say they have no plans to increase wages. Lynne McCormack, of FRS Recruitment, which conducted the research, said there was 'certainly a significant number of people who expect to receive a salary bump this year'. More than half of companies in Ireland claim they will offer staff a pay rise this year, a survey has found. Pic: Shutterstock
'This isn't a new development, as there has been pressure on salaries over several years now, in light of the rising cost of living and the general health of the economy. People feel secure in their jobs,' Ms McCormack said.
Up to 60% of workers expect to get a raise this year, data from the FRS Recruitment Employment Insights Report shows.
Those living in Kilkenny are most likely to expect a raise, at 69%, followed by those in Sligo on 68%, as well as Dublin and Limerick on 65%, while 28% of people in Cavan have the lowest expectations of a raise, followed by Donegal, Leitrim and Westmeath on 38%. Up to 60% of workers expect to get a raise this year. Pic: Shutterstock
The survey also shows that almost half, or 45%, of people are willing to move jobs for a salary increase of 10% or less.
A further three out of 10 would move for a wage hike of between 11% and 20%, with 15% admitting they would move roles for a 21% to 40% raise. Separately, 66% say they would not take a pay cut if their job was at risk.
A total of 1,987 people took part in the survey behind this year's FRS Recruitment Employment Insights Report, which was conducted in April and May this year.
The research also showed that less than 38% of employees fear for their job security, down from almost half or 47% who were concerned when the same question was posed this time last year. The survey shows that almost half, or 45%, of people are willing to move jobs for a salary increase of 10% or less. Pic: Shutterstock
People in Carlow were the most fearful about their employment, with 64% admitting their concern, followed by 62% in Mayo and 58% in Donegal and Louth.
Least concerned were those in Kildare and Sligo at 23%, followed by Cork and Clare at 26%.
Seven out of 10 people, or 70%, also believe they could secure a new job in three months or less, up from the 49% of that view this time last year. Up to 20% believe it may take them three to six months to secure a new role, 7% estimate it will take six months to a year and 3% believe it could take a year or longer.
Ms McCormack added: '[Workers] know the economy has been at full employment for some time and the vast majority expect that to continue for at least another year or longer. Most also believe that if they were to lose their job in the morning, they could quickly source an alternative. The research showed that less than 38% of employees fear for their job security. Pic: Shutterstock
'These are some of the factors that are giving them the confidence to expect better remuneration.' However, what is different is that this outlook is not being matched on the employers' side.
'While most employers do plan to offer their staff a small wage raise this year, it is questionable as to whether this would be enough to meet staff expectations,' Ms McCormack said.
'Employers are taking a less favourable view of the broader economic conditions, with concerns about the general outlook growing and the potential impact of US tariffs likely to influence the number of job opportunities coming to market.
'It will be interesting to see how this impacts the dynamics of the market in the coming months and whether employers are able to give their staff what they want, or if less positive economic conditions begin to temper employee expectations,' she added.