Noonan: Live Register figures 'stabilising'

on 01/11/2012 14:06:00

The Finance Minister Michael Noonan says the Live Register figures are stabilising.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the numbers signing on fell by 1,000 in October to just over 434,000 people.

The latest Central Statistics Office report also shows that the rate of unemployment remains at 14.8%.

Noonan says jobs are being created but there is no quick fix solution: "Unemployment is a very serious issue in the country. The bulk of it is due to the burst in the property bubble and a real job has to be done but it has stabilised within the parameters I've set.

"The government is working very hard to create new jobs in a modern economy and get people back to work."

Meanwhile, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises association (ISME) called on the government to introduce an employment incentive scheme to tackle what it described as the "stubbornly high" unemployment rate.

"The 'Action Plan for Jobs' is not working for the SME sector and it is unlikely to work, if Government imposed costs continue to increase," said ISME chief executive Mark Fielding.

"Added to that is the uncertainty generated by polar opposite proposals from Cabinet on job creation and sick pay schemes. In addition, the lack of progress on public sector cost reduction and inefficiencies under the Croke Park Agreement, must be remedied.

"Jobs will be created when the Government prioritises SMEs and job creation.

"It is essential that we kick-start the domestic economy's recovery with financial support aimed at maintaining and creating employment, a reduction in state costs and social welfare inhibitors to work.

"Small businesses will begin recruiting again when costs reduce."