Unemployment Rate At 10 Year Low - CSO

Ireland's unemployment rate has fallen to 5.9% in April 2018, down from 6.8% in April 2017, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

This represents a total fall in the unemployment rate of 0.9 percentage points since April 2017 and is the lowest monthly unemployment rate since May 2008.

The Monthly Unemployment figures for April published by the CSO include:

• On a seasonally adjusted basis 3,200 fewer people were unemployed in April compared to March

• 16,700 fewer people were unemployed in March compared with twelve months earlier

• Unemployment among people aged between 15-24 has fallen by 0.5% in a month.

Welcoming the figures, Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister, Regina Doherty, said: "The figures published today are further evidence that our growing economy is continuing to generate strong employment, and that we have made significant progress in reducing unemployment. Today is the first time monthly unemployment has fallen to under 6% in 10 years.

"This is a significant milestone, considering unemployment was at 16% just six years ago.

"These figures show that the employment supports provided by my Department to both jobseekers and employers are working well. Our activation measures are working well. As Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection I will ensure that the Department continues to provide this wide range of comprehensive supports and services to jobseekers."

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, added: "I am delighted to see the unemployment rate falling again, this time down to 5.9%, which is a decrease from 6.8% this time last year. As Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, I will continue pursuing the Government policies that have proven successful in creating the right environment for continued job growth right across the country. My focus is on ensuring that these positive trends are felt in every region through a number of measures including the Regional Action Plan for Jobs."

(MH/LM)