Unemployment Figures Still Far Too High

Chambers Ireland has today (30/01/13) said that the latest CSO Live Register figures, which show a standardised unemployment rate of 14.6% in January 2012, unchanged for the past three months, highlight that not enough is being done to stimulate domestic demand and support job creation.

Speaking this morning, Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, said “The standardised rate of unemployment has been over 14% since September 2010, spiking just once to 15% last February. The fact that the rate has not fallen substantially in over two years highlights that we are not doing enough to stimulate job creation. On top of this, the IMF has estimated that if it were not for high levels of emigration, this figure would be close to 20% on par with some of those countries in Europe worst affected by this recession.”

“The Government must face up to the fact that this figure will not come down without a resolute focus on stimulating domestic demand as it is from strong domestic demand that existing jobs are secured and new jobs are created” he concluded.

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For further information contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4319, 086 6081605 or email amy.woods@www.chambers.ie