Employment Increases In 2nd Quarter Of 2015 - CSO

The number of people in employment has increased by 57,100 people in the 2nd quarter of 2015, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Total employment now stands at 1,958,700 the CSO Quarterly National Household Survey shows.

Welcoming the news Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash TD, said: "I am particularly pleased to see that the vast majority of the jobs being created are full-time jobs with an increase of 56,800 full-time employment on this time last year and 300 in part-time employment.

"The figures released by the CSO also show that underemployment is down significantly by almost 8%. I think this shows that as the economic recovery continues the jobs this Government are helping to create are full-time, decent jobs. The twin track approach of the Action Plan for Jobs and Pathways to Work are delivering.

"The number of people who are long-term unemployed is also continuing to fall and now stands at 5.5%, down from 6.8% last year. However, it is still too high and I and my colleagues are determined to return this country to full employment by 2018, with a strong focus on helping the long-term unemployed to access the training and up-skilling opportunities which will assist them in returning to the workforce."

(MH)