Small Decrease in LR Figures Welcomed

5 Mar 2004

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed welcomes the decrease of 1,402 persons off the Live Register in February. The seasonally adjusted figure also decreased by 900 persons. However an annual increase of 1,700 was recorded bringing the total seasonally adjusted figure to 170,100.

‘Any reduction in the numbers claiming an unemployment payment is welcomed, however one months reduction does not necessarily imply a trend downward’, says Mr Eric Conroy, General Secretary INOU. ‘We welcome that all regions recorded a reduction with the largest percentage decrease occurring in the West and South-East regions. Employment in part-time work and casual work continues to increase with the majority of employees being female.’

‘We ask the Government during this week of promoting ‘Work-Life Balance’ to alleviate the barriers preventing more employees to take up part-time or casual work. These include lack of affordable childcare, eldercare, strict working patterns etc. By addressing these issues the upward trend in the take up of part-time or casual employment will continue’, he added.