From Department of Social Protection; Central Statistics Office
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Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty TD, today commented on the monthly unemployment figures, which were published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) today and show that, by the end of 2018, unemployment now stands at 5.3 percent. The seasonally adjusted number of people unemployed was 127,100 in December 2018 – a decrease of 20,000 when compared to December 2017. The figure for the end of 2018 represents a stark contrast to February 2012, when unemployment peaked at 16 percent – the same month the Government launched its first annual Action Plan for Jobs.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for young people (aged 15–24) was 12.2 percent, down from 13.3 percent in December 2017 and at the lowest rate since May 2008.
Minister Doherty said
“It is very encouraging to see that employment creation has continued in Ireland throughout 2018 and that at the end of the year, the unemployment rate is at 5.3 percent, compared with 6.2 percent at the same time last year. I would expect this figure to trend further downwards in 2019 but we cannot be complacent and we need to continue with the Government approach which has created a job-friendly environment in this country over the last few years.
“Coupled with a buoyant employment climate, I will also be focusing this year on our job activation approach – particularly, as we reach what is termed ‘full employment’, with respect to assisting those who remain long term unemployed back into the workforce. A job and a wage are the best means by which we can raise families out of poverty and my focus in 2019 will be on providing that opportunity to as many as possible.”
The full CSO data can be accessed at
ENDS