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Unemployment rate falls to 8.6%

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Minister Nash with Jobs Minister Richard Bruton speaking to the media about the unemployment figures today

Business & Employment Minister Ged Nash today welcomed the news from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) that the unemployment rate has fallen to 8/6%, the lowest rate in seven years. 

This is down from 10.1% this time last year. 

The unemployment rate in December stood at 8.8%.  The number of people without a job has been falling steadily since 2012 and more than 1,000 jobs per week are being created.

Minister Nash said:

I am very pleased that the jobless rate continues to decline steadily this year.  30,500 people who were unemployed this time last year are now back at work – and that is very welcome.  These jobs have a positive impact not only on the formerly unemployed person themselves, but on their families and the local community where they will be spending their wages.

While the unemployment rate is still too high, there are welcome signs that youth unemployment is steadily declining.

For more information read the press release here.