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Irish employers shift to skills-focused hiring as labour market discipline intensifies, report finds

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Irish employers are prioritising critical skills over workforce expansion, according to new research from a professional services company. Hiring has become more selective with tighter headcount controls and salary premiums reserved for delivery-critical capabilities.

Lidl announces workforce expansion to 2,400 as retailer plans 16 new Northern Ireland stores

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

A supermarket chain plans to increase its Northern Ireland workforce to 2,400 employees through 16 new store openings by 2032. The expansion is expected to add approximately £475 million annually to the local economy with investment totalling £500 million.

Data centre equipment manufacturer announces 200-job expansion across Ireland

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

An engineering company manufacturing data centre equipment will create at least 200 jobs across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over six months. The expansion addresses growing global demand for AI infrastructure with recruitment spanning multiple functions.

Leadership in Action

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

The HR leadership and management sector continues to evolve as organisations recognise that workforce strategy sits at the heart of competitive advantage and operational resilience. Progressive people practices are no longer peripheral concerns but central pillars that determine organisational agility, cultural vitality and long-term sustainability. Following the footsteps of 2025’s leaders, excellence in employee engagement remains a defining priority. 'Bus Éireann wins Most Effective Employee Engagement Strategy at HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025' underscores how purposeful engagement frameworks deliver measurable outcomes that benefit both organisations and their people. Furthermore, strategic workforce investment signals commitment to building capability from the ground up. 'Testing services firm invests £2m in apprenticeships across UK and Ireland operations' demonstrates how organisations are addressing skills gaps through structured talent development that creates sustainable career pathways. Lastly, consultancy growth reflects rising demand for specialist people expertise. 'Ringwood HR consultancy marks decade of growth with team expansion and new premises' illustrates how advisory services are scaling to meet organisational appetite for sophisticated HR guidance. These developments collectively reveal a sector where strategic people leadership drives tangible business impact. Delve into each story to discover how these organisations are elevating workplace practice.

Bus Éireann wins Most Effective Employee Engagement Strategy at HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Honoured for its GEM Awards programme last year, Bus Éireann was named winner of Most Effective Employee Engagement Strategy at the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025, demonstrating how values-driven recognition can transform workforce culture as the sector looks ahead to 2026.

Ringwood HR consultancy marks decade of growth with team expansion and new premises

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

A UK-based HR consultancy has marked its tenth anniversary with team expansion to 13 professionals and relocation to larger town centre premises. The Ringwood firm attributes growth to relationship-led approach and consistent service delivery nationwide.

Gloucestershire HR provider launches AI readiness guide as shadow AI usage reaches 71% of UK workforce

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

A UK-based HR consultancy has launched a free downloadable checklist and roundtable event series addressing workplace AI adoption after research shows 71% of UK employees have used AI tools at work. The initiative tackles "shadow AI" usage and policy development.

Northern Ireland regulator launches workplace health campaign as occupational illness costs exceed £390m annually

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Northern Ireland's health and safety regulator has launched a multimedia campaign addressing workplace health risks after analysis estimates over 300 annual deaths from occupational exposures. The initiative targets lung disease, cancers and musculoskeletal disorders with employer guidance.

Northern Ireland HR professionals to convene for strategic people management breakfast

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Northern Ireland's business community will convene for a people management breakfast event on 20th February in Belfast. The session addresses talent retention, multigenerational workforce management and values-led cultures as HR priorities intensify across organisations.

Testing services firm invests £2m in apprenticeships across UK and Ireland operations

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

A UK and Ireland-based testing and certification services provider has invested approximately £2 million (€2.34 million) in apprenticeships over five years, supporting over 450 employees. The 2025 intake of 130 apprentices represents the company's highest annual recruitment on record.

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HR Leadership & Management Awards 2026

October 15th, 2026

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry

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July 3rd, 2025

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry

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