Just before covid broke out I remember hearing how a lot of employers in the retail and hospitality were struggling to get staff, particularly in Dublin city.
This problem went away with lockdowns but now that the restrictions are being lifted it seems we are back there again but now even in a worse position. A lot of foreigners who were in these jobs returned home during the lockdown. Many bussiness who are now trying to reopen just can't get staff. A lot of the employers here seem to think it just a case of issuing new visas to foreigners but we are also caught with a chronic housing shortage here too. It is not as simple as getting all the foreigners back here. If they gave up their accommodation it has been filled.
As restrictions lift further and with the busy Christmas period approaching I believe the situation is going to get worse.