19/08/2016

Latest Unemployment Figures 'Disappointing' - SF

Sinn Féin have said that they are "disappointed" at the latest unemployment figures for July from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The party's spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Maurice Quinlivan, said: "According to the figures for July, 300,300 people are on the Live Register and of these, 141,981 have been unemployed for a year or more.

"Worryingly over 100,000 unemployed people listed their previous occupation as craft and related, and plant and machine operatives.

"The data shows the government could, if it so wished reduce this figure by introducing a number of key measures.   

"For example, it could address the prevalence of bogus self-employment in the construction industry and introduce legislation outlawing the practice.

"It could ensure robust social clauses are a key feature of all public procurement contracts.

"This would benefit workers, communities and the local economy and reduce reliance on the state for social transfers.   

"Unemployment remains a serious concern and the government must do more than provide income supports.

"Imaginative measures are required if we are to assist people's return to work, and also ensure that young people from working class communities participate in the labour market."

(MH/JP)

Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

04 April 2017
Unemployment Figures Fall Between February And March
New figures have revealed official unemployment numbers have dropped 0.2% between February and March. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) publication states the official unemployment rate has fallen from 6.6% to 6.4%, and from 8.3% compared with March last year.
15 November 2012
UUP Comments On Latest Unemployment Figures
Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Sandra Overend MLA has commented on the latest unemployment figures which have been released. They show that an additional 600 people were added to the local claimant count which now stands at 64,100.
01 September 2011
Live Register Figures Increase in August
According to recent figures the amount of people signing on the live register in Ireland has increased for the fourth consecutive month. The seasonally adjusted figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have revealed that the number of people signing on the Live Register rose in August by 1,600 or 0.4%.
22 May 2012
ILO Warns Of Youth Unemployment Crisis
A new report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has revealed that almost 13% of young people worldwide are out of work, and their situation is unlikely to improve in the next four years. The report also shows that many skilled young people are being forced into part-time and unskilled work.
19 July 2012
Derry Unemployment Figures Indicative Of Generations Of Underinvestment - Durkan
SDLP Social Development Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the worrying figures for unemployment in the Derry area show the legacy of sustained underinvestment in the North-West and risk an irrevocable exodus of talented young people to more prosperous areas.