Reduction in Live Register figures welcomed

3 Sep 2004

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed welcomes the slight reduction in the monthly Live Register figures. The seasonally unadjusted numbers fell by 1,685 while the adjusted figures fell by 2,800. In the year to August 2004 there was a decrease of 10,137 (-5.5%). This compares to an annual decrease of 7,946 (-4.3%) recorded in the year to July 2004.

‘These figures are to be welcomed especially following the release of the redundancies figures which also showed a reduction in the numbers being made redundant for the third consecutive month,’ says Mr Eric Conroy, General Secretary INOU. ‘In the beginning of 2004, the number of redundancies being announced were outstripping 2003 levels but now the reverse has occurred and we hope this trend continues.’

‘However, although these reductions are welcomed, it still means that over 175,000 people are claiming an unemployment payment. These individuals still need assistance to help them into the labour market. Complacency in actions geared towards attracting job growth and investment as well as provision of training and education for those currently outside the labour market must not be allowed’, he warned.