Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the current paradoxes within Northern Ireland's employment landscape. Despite record-high job numbers and a remarkably low unemployment rate of 1.7%, a significant portion of the population remains economically inactive, and a disconnect exists between struggling employers and job seekers.

The hosts examine the obstacles facing young people, noting that entry-level opportunities and traditional summer jobs are shrinking due to increased employer costs driven by higher National Insurance contributions and National Living Wage hikes. These financial pressures are severely impacting the hospitality sector, resulting in reduced trading hours and job losses.

Additionally, they discuss the rise of AI and the "fear of becoming obsolete," though Ramsey predicts AI will ultimately create more jobs than it destroys. Finally, the episode advises workers to embrace lifelong learning and career flexibility to remain competitive.

Whether you are a business leader or an investor, tune in to discover key geopolitical risks, the hidden potential of public sector AI transformation, and bold economic predictions for the year ahead.

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