Unemployment rises to 14.8%

The number of people signing on the dole has increased further, taking the unemployment rate to 14.8%.

The number of people signing on the dole has increased further, taking the unemployment rate to 14.8%.

A total of 440,947 people sought unemployment benefits last month, representing

an increase of 3,025 over the year.

According to official Live Register figures, the unemployment rate is at its highest level since December last year.

The average unemployment rate during 2010 was 13.6%.

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton said today's Live Register figures highlight the need to implement reforms across the economy.

Minister Richard Bruton said job creation is a top priority for this Government and that is what will drive the economy forward.

But he reiterated that reform is needed in a range of areas - including Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) and sheltered professions.

"The notion that you can continue with existing policies and get different outcomes in terms of employment growth is not going to work," he said.

"We have to have a radical reform agenda across so many different areas… it must be a continuous drive to change the environment in which businesses are operating."

Business groups said the figures demonstrate that the unemployment situation remains grave.

The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, (ISME) called on the Government to make “early tough decisions” on what it called “archaic” employment orders, the Social Welfare trap and rising business costs.

“The Government must recognise and acknowledge the key concerns of business, which are preventing companies from retaining and creating jobs; these include the rising cost base of labour, energy, rates, rents and transport,” said Chief Executive Mark Fielding.

“While some effort was made in the recent jobs’ initiative, the fact remains that the Government did not go far enough or cut deep enough”.

“The perception among business people is that this Government is striving to remain ‘popular’ rather than making the real and hard decisions which will bring the country back from the brink”.

Meanwhile Chambers Ireland echoed the call for reform in relation to wage-setting structures.

“Today’s figures once again show that the way employment is regulated in Ireland is not helping to retain or create jobs,” said Seán Murphy, Chambers Ireland Deputy Chief Executive.

“Recent indications that Sunday premium payment rates will be reformed are a very positive step, one which has the potential to secure employment for over 200,000 employees.

“Coupled with this, proposals to reduce by half the number of Joint Labour Committees as well as the commitment to a comprehensive review of all those remaining in place may also help to prevent further job losses.”

Social Justice Ireland meanwhile said a ‘twin-track approach’ was necessary for solving the unemployment crisis.

“As unemployment reaches its highest point in 2011 Government requires a twin-track strategy – one track focused on job-creation and the other track focused on creating real meaningful work opportunities for people who are long-term unemployed,” said the group’s director, Fr Seán Healy

“While initiatives focused on improving job creation and protecting jobs that already exist are very welcome and necessary, they should not be allowed to create an illusion that Ireland’s unemployment crisis will be resolved in the period immediately ahead.”

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