26th August 2015
57,100 more people at work in the last year according to the latest figures from the CSO
The Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, has welcomed the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) which show that the unemployment rate in July has fallen to 9.5%.
The number of people in work over the past year has risen by 57,100 according to the Quarterly National Household survey data released this morning.
Minister Nash said, “I am particularly pleased to see that the vast majority of the jobs being created are full-time jobs with an increase of 56,800 full-time employment on this time last year and 300 in part-time employment.”
“The figures released by the CSO also show that underemployment is down significantly by almost 8%. I think this shows that as the economic recovery continues the jobs this Government are helping to create are full-time, decent jobs. The twin track approach of the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work are delivering.”
“The number of people who are long-term unemployed is also continuing to fall and now stands at 5.5%, down from 6.8% last year. However, it is still too high and I and my colleagues are determined to return this country to full employment by 2018, with a strong focus on helping the long-term unemployed to access the training and up-skilling opportunities which will assist them in returning to the workforce.”
According to the CSO figures, the number of people who are unemployed has decreased by 43,300 or 17% on this time last year. This is the twelfth consecutive quarter where unemployment has decreased on an annual basis.
Employment has increased by 3% in the year to Q2 2015. Increases are recorded across the majority of sectors, with strong growth particularly in the Construction sector, which is up 18.5% and Financial, Insurance and Real Estate, which is up 5.5%.
Minister Nash concluded, “As we strive to achieve our goal of full employment, my focus is firmly on ensuring that the jobs being created are decent, sustainable jobs that reward people for their work.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Deirdre Grant 086 0484 279 or DJEI Press Office 01 631 2200 or press.office@djei.ie
Back to Department News