SFA predicts unemployment growth
The Irish economy is shedding jobs faster than it is creating them, according to a survey carried out by the Small Firms Association.
The Association's national employment survey found a 58% decline in demand for labour, with 9% of companies planning to lay off staff this year.
The SFA said high operating costs, spiralling insurance premiums and unrealistic salary demands were to blame.
Pat Delaney, the Association's director, said: "If companies are not employing, we're likely to see an increase in unemployment this year and most worrying of all is that we may once again be seeing highly qualified young people having to leave Ireland to gain employment."
