News & Events

Minister Nash welcomes continuing fall in unemployment figures

Jobless total at its lowest rate in seven years of 8.6%

The Minister for Business and Employment Ged Nash TD has welcomed new figures that show the unemployment rate is at its lowest level in seven years. 

The figures published by the Central Statistics Office today show that 8.6% of people were unemployed in January, down from 10.1% this time last year.  The unemployment rate in December stood at 8.8%.  The number of people without a job has been falling steadily since 2012 and more than 1,000 jobs per week are being created.

Minister Nash said, “I am very pleased that the jobless rate continues to decline steadily this year.  30,500 people who were unemployed this time last year are now back at work – and that is very welcome.  These jobs have a positive impact not only on the formerly unemployed person themselves, but on their families and the local community where they will be spending their wages.”

“These month on month decreases are no accident or lucky chance.  They are as a result of enormous work from my own Department through the Action Plan for Jobs and the Tánaiste’s Department through Pathways to Work.  This twin-track approach is assisting us in creating the right environment for business to grow and flourish and targeting skills and job opportunities towards the unemployed.”

“While the unemployment rate is still too high, there are welcome signs that youth unemployment is steadily declining.

“We have an ambitious goal to ensure that everyone who wants a job, can get a job by 2018 and the figures published by the CSO today shows that while there is much more work to do, we are on the right track,” Minister Nash concluded. 

ENDS

For further information contact Press Office, D/Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation ph. 6312200 or press.office@djei.ie