INOU concern at Wexal closure
11 May 2001
The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed has expressed serious concern at the closure of the Wexal plant in Enniscorthy. The organisation highlighted that County Wexford has one of the worst track records for unemployment in the country.
" Today's local Live Register figures show another increase for County Wexford. There are currently 1,522 people on the Live Register in Enniscorthy, and 5,741 in the county as a whole.
"No matter what way you look at it, Wexford is consistently one of the counties worst affected by unemployment. After Donegal, Louth and Longford, Wexford along with Waterford has the highest Live Register participation rate in the country." according to Tony Monks, INOU General Secretary.
"When you compare Wexford to the rest of the South-East there is a very stark contrast. The Live Register fell by more than twice as much in Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary South Riding than it did in Wexford in the last year. Even County Waterford experienced a larger fall in Live Register figures at 11%, than Wexford did at a mere 8.2%."
While the Live Register is not an accurate measurement of unemployment because it includes people who are working part-time and receiving part-time payments, it does give a very clear indication of the levels of poverty and dependence on state assistance.
The ILO is used to measure unemployment, and by this measurement Wexford falls into the region with the second highest unemployment rate in the country at 4.9%. As this figure is the average for Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary South Riding and Waterford, it is likely that the actual figure for Wexford is much higher.
Mr Monks continued " The very unfortunate news about Wexal comes just after the largest seasonal increase in national Live Register figures in five years. While most of this is due to temporary layoffs because of Foot and Mouth Disease, there have also been a substantial number of layoffs recently in all sectors.
"We are particularly concerned that lower skilled workers are being pushed out of the jobs market. Most forecasts have stated that the Irish labour market will increasingly need high skilled workers and professionals. The INOU are determined to ensure that both those recently unemployed, and those who have been out of work for a long period are given the appropriate training and opportunities to get the type of jobs that will be created."
The INOU also drew attention to the level of payment someone recently laid off can expect to receive.
Unemployment Benefit
Single person
Full week's payment £ 85.50
Person with one adult, and two child dependants
Full week's payment £165.90
However, not all workers qualify for Unemployment Benefit. Workers who do not have enough PRSI stamps for a UB must undergo a means assessment for Unemployment Assistance.
"These figures throw into sharp relief the inadequacy of social welfare payments. Unemployment is still the primary cause of poverty in this country. Government cannot claim they have resolved unemployment when counties like Wexford still suffer disproportionately, and when people who find themselves unemployed are forced to live in poverty."
ENDS
For further information contact:
Tony Monks, General Secretary
01 856 0088
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer
087 61 67689 / 01 856 0088
