Press release
Minister Doherty welcomes continued annual decrease in unemployment rate
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Social Protection
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, T.D., has welcomed the latest statistics published by the CSO today which show that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2019 was 4.8%, down from 5.5% in December 2018.
The seasonally adjusted number of people unemployed was 119,000 in December 2019, compared to 131,900 in December 2018, an annual decrease of 12,900 people.
Minister Doherty commented:
“The annual decrease in unemployment is very welcome and the figure of 4.8% unemployment is particularly impressive when compared to February 2012, when it peaked at 16%. We have continued to make huge inroads into tackling unemployment in every region and Government policies have ensured a reduction in the unemployment rate by more than two thirds since its peak. As a result, the country is now benefiting from a strong workforce and a thriving economy. We will continue to focus on tackling the remaining levels of unemployment and ensure that everyone who is able to work can find a job – the best guarantee of an improved standard of living.”
Note for News Editors
Examples of support provided by the Department to jobseekers and employers include:
The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS)
Minister Doherty launched the Department’s YESS scheme in September 2018. YESS is a new work experience scheme targeted exclusively at young jobseekers, aged 18 to 24, who are either long-term unemployed or face significant barriers to employment.
JobsIreland.ie
JobsIreland.ie, the Department’s national recruitment website provides a free online vacancy advertising and candidate matching service for employers who wish to advertise job vacancies, apprenticeships and community employment (CE) schemes. YESS vacancies are also advertised on JobsIreland.ie. The service is available to all employers irrespective of size or industry sector. JobsIreland.ie provides the opportunity for candidates to register and search the latest jobs in the market place. With JobsIreland.ie candidates have the option to create an online CV and they are then notified automatically of vacancies that match their profile.
JobsPlus
JobsPlus provides a direct monthly financial incentive to employers who offer full-time employment opportunities to long-term unemployed people. The scheme was further enhanced from 1 January 2018 to support workers aged 50 or over.
Jobs Fairs and Employer Engagement
Additionally, the Department hosts numerous Jobs Fairs and events throughout the year, with our annual Jobs Week a particular focus. The Department also co-hosts a number of jobs fairs with EURES, the European Recruitment Service. The Department continues to engage with employers throughout the country to ensure that jobseekers can avail of the many jobs that are being created by employers.
Community Employment and TÚS schemes
In addition the Department continues to provide valuable work experience for those who are long-term unemployed through the Community Employment and TÚS schemes. These schemes also provide important local services in towns and villages throughout the country.