Unemployment back on the agenda for thousands of voters

3 Aug 2001

Responding to today's Live Register figures which show a total increase of 6,200 people, Tony Monks, General Secretary of the INOU said

"An increase in the total number on the Live Register is expected at this time of year. But today's increase of over 6,000 is more than double the usual increase for the June/ July period. The fall in the seasonally adjusted rate of 800 persons represents a mere 0.5% decrease in the overall figure.

" The threat of unemployment is becoming very real for thousands of voters. Job losses in I.T. and more traditional industries have swept the country since the start of the year.

"As the economy begins to slow down we have seen a substantial decrease in the tax take. This will inevitably have negative implications for the revenue available to the Government in the forthcoming Budget.

"Government spending priority in the Budget must be truly geared towards the unemployed and low paid workers. Vulnerable workers and those who are currently living in poverty should not be penalised by another give-away budget for the rich."

ENDS

For further information contact:
Tony Monks, General Secretary
01 856 0088 / 087 249 6066
Noeleen Hartigan, Press Officer
01 856 0088 / 087 616 7689