24/02/2016

Continuing Rise In Employment Welcomed

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have revealed that employment has risen for the 13th successive quarter and are now at their highest levels since the start of 2009.

The latest figures show that employment increased by 44,100 in the fourth quarter, and said that employment continues to be driven mainly by gains in full-time employment and growth remains broadly based, with increases registered in 12 of the 14 sectors.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan said: "Ongoing employment growth is a clear sign of economic recovery. Today's data show that in annual terms 44,000 jobs have been added to the economy in the fourth quarter. This marks the 13th successive quarter of employment growth. More people are now at work than at any stage since 2009, with some 142,000 jobs created since the trough of the crisis.

"In parallel, the unemployment rate has fallen for ten consecutive quarters. There are now 21,000 fewer people long-term unemployed compared with the 4th quarter of 2014. These figures provide evidence that the policies this government has implemented are having a positive effect on people and the labour market.

"In addition, today's figures provide ongoing evidence that government policies are driving a broad-based labour market recovery, with growth recorded in 12 of the 14 sectors."

(MH/LM)

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