The jobs immigrants do: issues of displacement and marginalisation in the Irish labour market

Abstract

Recently Ireland experienced rapid economic growth and an inflow of immigrants into the labour force. Using census data this article examines the occupational distribution of immigrants by country of origin and whether immigrants displace native workers from jobs. In the period studied it seems that immigrant workers have relieved bottlenecks in the labour market and have been complementary rather than substitutes for native workers. Between 2002 and 2006 the proportion of immigrants employed in high-skill jobs decreased while the number in low-skill jobs increased substantially. Compared to Irish nationals the possession of education qualifications for immigrants, particularly those from the 10 new EU member states, does not appear to confer the same advantages. The evidence here indicates a significant degree of occupational downgrading and ‘brain waste’ among non-nationals.