INOU welcomes the reduction in the LR figures

4 Oct 2004

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed welcomes the substantial monthly reduction of 15,350 in the seasonally unadjusted figure and the lower reduction of 2,800 when seasonal factors are taken into account. Interestingly of the 15,350, women account for 10,763 whereas men account for the remaining 4,587.

‘Any reduction in the numbers claiming an unemployment payment is welcomed, especially when it occurs in all regions. The largest monthly decrease was recorded in the West (-10.2%) and mid-West (-10.1%) with the lowest decreases occurring in the SouthWest (-7.2%) and Dublin (-7.5%) regions,’ said Mr Eric Conroy, General Secretary, INOU.

‘Although these reductions are welcomed, there is still over 160,000 people claiming an unemployment payment and we ask the new Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mr Michéal Martin to pursue policies that will create employment opportunities for all. The strive for creating a high-tech knowledge based labour force is recommended but not to the detriment of those who may never attain those types of jobs. The job creation policies must reflect the diverse labour supply on offer’ he added.