The number of people signing on the Live Register has fallen for the second consecutive month. Seasonally adjusted figures for July show 139,800 people signed on, compared with 140,600 in June. The standardised unemployment rate in July was 3.6 per cent, compared with 3.7 per cent the previous month.
However, the unadjusted figure on the Live Register increased by 6,236 last month bringing the Live Register total to 159,914. Of the increase, 2,212 were men and 4,025 women. When seasonally adjusted there was an underlying decline of 500 men and 300 women signing on.
The eastern and southern regions faced the largest increase, with 4,383 extra people signing on. Of these 2,003 were in Dublin. The Border region was the next hardest hit with an increase of 874.
Absolute numbers on the Live Register always rise at this time of year because of students and temporary teaching staff signing on. It also coincides with the annual holidays in many firms, especially in the construction industry, where many casual employees are not entitled to holiday pay. Agricultural layoffs also take place in July and, according to the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs, this year these have been exacerbated this year by the effects of foot-and-mouth disease on farming and meat processing.
A spokeswoman said that this year's Live Register figure for July is still the lowest since 1981. It is 8 per cent below that for July 2000 and 27 per cent below that for 1999.
The overall increase in figures was strongly criticised by the Labour Party and the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU). Labour deputy Mr Tommy Broughan accused the Government of "of appalling inaction in the face of an economic slowdown, which is causing real pain and hardship to families across the country.
"Over recent months, thousands of lay-offs and redundancies have occurred throughout the Irish economy. The jump in the numbers signing on clearly demonstrates that many of these workers cannot find alternative employment. This trend has been evident for some time and yet the Government, and the Tanaiste Ms Harney in particular, have proved themselves utterly incapable of addressing the problem.
"After years of strong growth, complacency reigns supreme at the Cabinet table when it comes to job creation and job retention. The Government seems to go into collective denial when economic trends take a turn for the worse."
The INOU general secretary Mr Tony Monks said an increase in the Live Register was to be expected at this time of year "but today's increase of over 6,000 is more than double the usual increase for the June/ July period. The threat of unemployment is becoming very real for thousands of voters".
As the economy slowed, there would be a substantial decrease in the tax take. "This will inevitably have negative implications for the revenue available to the Government in the forthcoming Budget. Government spending priority in the Budget must be truly geared towards the unemployed and low-paid workers. Vulnerable workers and those who are currently living in poverty should not be penalised by another give-away budget for the rich."
