Many Irish workers fear their job is under threat from AI

Just 30% of Irish workers believe that their job is safe from AI or automation over the next ten years, according to a nationwide survey.

The survey was carried out by IReach on behalf of NFP Ireland and examined how workers in Ireland expect Artificial Intelligence to affect their jobs in the coming years.

Around 40% of respondents had a somewhat measured view, believing their job as a whole will remain active, but that any tasks are very likely to be automated.

These findings reflect ESRI research, which highlighted the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Irish labour market, which found that 7% of current jobs could be lost in the short to medium term.

The main concerns were raised among those aged 18-24, with 39% saying large parts of their roles could disappear, along with 32% of those aged 25-34. This compares to just 15% of those aged over 55.

Just 13% of those aged 25-34 say that their role is not replaceable, while those aged 35-44 are most likely to feel that their job is not replaceable by AI.

Colm Power, Managing Director of NFP Ireland, said: “Workers are uncertain about what AI means for their future. Just 30% of workers believe their role is safe from AI or automation, which suggests most people expect some level of disruption to how they currently work. What stands out is the number of workers who believe large parts of their role could disappear. That reflects a concern not just about job losses, but about roles being gradually reshaped, with day-to-day tasks reduced or fundamentally changing over time.

“In practice, while routine and administrative tasks are likely to become more automated, the uniquely human skills, such as judgement, communication, creativity, relationship-building and leadership, will become even more important. While AI presents real opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency, it’s understandable for employees to be concerned that it could gradually take over elements of their role to the point where they feel less secure in their day-to-day work.”

He continued: ”Our research suggests attitudes towards the potential impact of AI are influenced by age, and so possibly, career stage and how secure people already feel in their role are also influencing factors. Younger workers are significantly more likely to believe that large parts of their job could disappear, which is understandable given they are still building experience, progressing through the early stages of their careers and trying to establish long-term stability in the workplace.

“For many younger employees, there may be a concern that entry-level and junior roles, which often involve administrative, process-driven or repetitive tasks, are the very areas most likely to be automated first. Those roles have traditionally been an important route for gaining experience, learning from colleagues and progressing into more senior positions.

“If employees feel those stepping-stone opportunities are being reduced, it can create understandable concern about future career paths. “Older and more established workers appear more confident that their role will remain relevant, likely due to having greater experience, stronger specialist knowledge or leadership responsibilities that are more difficult to replicate through technology alone”