Monthly unemployment rate now 5.9%

The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD today (Tuesday) welcomed the Monthly Unemployment figures for April published by the Central Statistics Office, showing that the official unemployment rate has fallen from 6% in March to 5.9% in April and from 6.8 % in April 2017.

The statistics also show:

• 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.

Commenting on today’s figures the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation said:

“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.”