A sign of the times? One third of people in Kildare believe artificial intelligence will impact or replace their jobs in future

Just over one in three people in County Kildare (34 per cent) believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will impact or replace their jobs in the future.

That's according to a new survey conducted by FRS Recruitment.

This figure is above the national average of 26 per cent of people who hold the same view. 

Commenting on the news, Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment, said: "Also of interest are the number of local people who believe their role will be impacted or replaced by artificial intelligence (AI) in the future."

She added: "With so much chatter about this topic over recent months, some level of concern is to be expected, but it is certainly an area that employees and employers in Kildare will be mindful of in future, carefully watching how this area of technology evolves in the coming months and years."

The survey also found that 3 out of 5 people in Kildare (62 per cent) would move jobs for a salary increase of 25 per cent or less, while 1 in 3 (31 per cent) feel their salary does not fairly reflect their current position. 

The vast majority of people in Kildare (77 per cent) also expect to receive a pay rise in the next 12 months. 

Just under half the people across the county (49 per cent) believe they are more likely to progress in their career by changing jobs than by staying with their employer and 3 out of 4 (76 per cent) believe they could secure a new job in 3 months or less.

Four out of 10 Kildare people (43 per cent) also believe there are more job opportunities available in 2023.

In addition, 39 per cent of people in Kildare fear for their job security, while 50 per cent would consider a pay cut if their job was at risk.

COST OF LIVING

The rising cost of living has also affected the employment market in Kildare, with 6 out of 10 local employers (58 per cent) saying it has impacted on their recruitment outlook.

Additionally, 3 out of 10 employees (30 per cent) say they are trying to work more at home to keep travel costs down.

There are also some other notable statistics concerning employers based in Kildare: five out of eight local employers (62 per cent) say they have seen an increase in workforce attrition this year and 4 out of 10 (42 per cent) believe that salary is the main driver of that attrition.

47 per cent of employers in the county have been pressing their employees to spend more time in the office this year and almost 4 out of 10 (38 per cent) say they have noticed a decrease in job applications in 2023. 

When it comes to considering new positions, 77 per cent of people in Kildare noted that the lack of salary information on a job ad had put them off from applying for a role. 

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PAINTING A PICTURE

Commenting on the other results contained within the survey, Ms McCormack said: "This survey provides a wide-ranging picture of the main trends across the employment market in Kildare and around the rest of the country.

"It shows how a number of issues are impacting the local market, from technology to cost of living and from job security to salary concerns.

She continued: "The data highlights the role cost of living concerns are playing in recruitment in Kildare and how this is putting pressure on salary expectations.

"A majority of people in Kildare expect to receive a wage increase in the next 12 months, which is important information for employers.

"Of even greater concern to local businesses will be the significant numbers who are prepared to move jobs for a salary increase of 25 per cent or less, as well as the portion of the local workforce who believe they are not receiving the salaries they deserve.

"The level of confidence in the Kildare employment market is also illustrated in the high numbers who believe they would quickly find a new role, as well as the portion of the local workforce who are of the opinion there are more job opportunities available to them this year. These are all signs of strong local recruitment prospects being available in Kildare.

"The survey also highlights the increasingly fluid employment market we are seeing in Kildare and around the country as the economy moves effectively to full employment.

She concluded: "This is creating expectations and awareness amongst employees and candidates which employers will need to keep in mind if they wish to secure their current workforce, or if they are seeking to add new personnel to their teams."