3 March 2010: Slight drop in Live Register

The numbers signing on the Live Register fell by 2,300 in the last month. Seasonally adjusted figures show there are now 432,400 people claiming unemployment assistance. This means the rate of unemployment now stands at 12.4%. In the year to the end of February there was an unadjusted increase of 24% in the numbers joining the dole queue. Commenting on the figures, employers' group IBEC said they were welcome indications of stabilisation in the economy. "Though labour market conditions will remain difficult throughout 2010, the worst of the job losses appears now to be behind us," IBEC economist Reetta Suonperä said. "This will help stabilise consumer confidence and spending." However small business representatives warned against complacency.

Avine McNally of the Small Firms Association said "a 24% increase in the last 12 months is a damning indictment of the absence of Government policy in this area." “The jobs crisis remains very real and the Government must take action," McNally said. "By focusing on the factors that are within our control, we can retain and create jobs. It is vitally important that we don’t allow a whole new generation to be lost to long-term unemployment or emigration.” ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding, warned the Government not to use the latest figures as part of a "publicity stunt", in attempting to argue that the labour market crisis has been averted.

"The reality within the small business sector is that the number of job losses continues to rise, with little or no job creation apparent within the sector," said Fielding. "Our concern is that the Government will continue to abdicate its responsibility on foot of the latest figures, which do not tell the full story. "What is still urgently required is a comprehensive plan to address the causes behind the job losses, namely the business cost environment and the lack of accessible finance."

Source – Breakingnews.ie