Redundancies up over a third on previous year

11 Apr 2006

The latest figures from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) show that 1,610 redundancies occurred in March. This compares with 1,017 redundancies in March 2005 an increase of over 58% and brings the total number of redundancies for the first quarter to 5,902 which is an increase of over 36% on the period last year.

‘Ireland has suffered unprecedented levels of redundancy in the very recent past, despite very significant economic growth. Over 100,000 people have received redundancy payments since 2002. Over 23,000 people received redundancy payments last year. It looks increasingly likely that 2006 will not only be a significantly worse year for redundancies than 2005 but, if current levels persist, could be the worst year on record’ said Mr. Eric Conroy, General Secretary INOU.

The INOU is calling for
·Assurances from the Government to prioritise replacement jobs where large scale job losses occur
·A renewed emphasis on retraining and upskilling workers and
·The re-introduction of a Pay Related Unemployment Payment, which would go some way to cushioning the blow of redundancy.

The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) will ensure that these issues are addressed in any potential new National Partnership Agreement.

“As an organisation participating in the National Partnership talks, the INOU will explore with Government and the Social Partners how future job losses can be minimised. We will also be seeking an effective programme for retraining and re-skilling workers who have lost their job and will seek assurances that replacement jobs will be a priority” Mr. Conroy said.