Live Register Seasonally Adjusted Increase for first time this year

1 Dec 2000

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) has expressed concern at today's Live Register figures, which show a marginal increase in the seasonally adjusted figures for the first time this year. Tony Monks General Secretary of the INOU said " While the increase is a small one, it is significant, particularly coming on top of the national unemployment figures which showed that the unemployment rate has not fallen for the first time in a number of years."

The Live Register is not a measure of unemployment, this is measured by the Quarterly National Household survey, which put the unemployment rate at 4.3% for the second quarter in a row earlier this week.

" This worrying trend should act as a timely reminder to Government of the commitment they made in the PPF to dole recipients. The PPF clearly states that 'all rates of social welfare payment will be increased in real terms'. said Mr Monks. "Budget Day is absolutely crucial to people on fixed incomes, and the people hardest hit by the current inflation rate are dole recipients. The current dole payment of £76 doesn't go very far when inflation is 6.8%. Ireland is unique in having unemployed people represented in the negotiation of national partnership agreements. If the Budget fails to deliver PPF commitments to the most marginalised people in Irish society, it will be a travesty of Ireland's concept of partnership."

"Today's figures also prove that despite the continued increase in the numbers of jobs being created, many people face real and substantial barriers to getting work. Yesterday the NESF recommended a series of Government actions to increase our domestic labour supply, and to help the low skilled get into work. It is vital that the social welfare system actively helps people to get decent and sustainable employment, and that while people are looking for work, it gives them enough to live on with dignity."
ENDS

Further information
Tony Monks, General Secretary 
087 249 6066
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer 
087 616 7689 / 01 856 0088
The INOU pre Budget Submission is available at www.INOU.ie