Unemployment now at 6.3%

1 Oct 2008

The record breaking increases in the Live Register continued into September 2008. According to today's release from the Central Statistics Office the seasonally adjusted figure now stands at 244,500. This represents an astonishing 48% rise on September 2007. Looking at the unadjusted figure the annual increase is 79,565 or 49%: the number of men signing on accounts for 73% of this rise.

"In our pre-budget submission the INOU called for an increase in the number of places on Active Labour Market Programmes," said Bríd O'Brien, Head of Policy and Media. "We also called for improved employment services that match people with available jobs. And that policies aimed at supporting the unemployed into work are clearly linked with policies on lifelong learning and other labour market developments," she continued.

The INOU is keenly aware that Government finances present a challenge to the State playing an active role in responding to the current economic crisis. However, the organisation would argue that if the State does not lead through investment in human capital and social infrastructure than Ireland will not be well positioned to make the most of a future economic upturn.

"To this end the INOU also called for the development of an integrated early warning system for redundancies to either source alternative investors or facilitate employees' up skilling if required," Bríd concluded.

For further information contact:
Bríd O'Brien, INOU Head of Policy and Media: (01) 8560088 / 086 608 9641