Unemployment rate unchanged in February

Last month saw a slight drop in the number of people signing on, according to new data.

Last month saw a slight drop in the number of people signing on, according to new data.

Seasonally adjusted figures from the Central Statistics Office show 1,800 fewer on the Live Register last month, compared to January.

It means the unemployment rate remained unchanged in February, at 14.2%.

The Small Firms Association (SFA) said that while the drop in the live register was welcome, action is vital to address the unemployment crisis.

“There is a major concern from today’s figures, with 42% of claimants on the live register for a year or more," said SFA Assistant Director Avine McNally.

"The task the Government faces in re-skilling and retraining is daunting, but necessary, if Ireland is to further improve the quality of our workforce and to avoid a long period of structural unemployment.”

Those sentimes were echoed by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association (ISME).

"The slight reduction in the headline figures masks the true level of unemployment which is under-reported through increased emigration, increased participation on state training initiatives and a significant rise in individuals remaining in education," said Chief Executive Mark Fielding.

"The true picture in the jobs market is that well over half a million of our citizens are out of work."

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