EVERY job created is a life changed, a family improved, a community enhanced.
They’re the words of Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, after the latest Live Register figures show a continuing fall in the numbers of people signing on, marking 38 consecutive months of decrease.
The drop in unemployment last month was approximately 1,300 larger than the drop in January 2014, while the drop during 2014 was 10,000 larger than the drop during 2013.
The figures also show that, in gross terms, over 141,000 people left the live register to take up work during 2014.
This means that the exit rate from the Live Register into work is running at almost 40 per cent – up from 33 per cent in 2012.
Every person who leaves the Live Register to take up employment saves the Exchequer approximately
?¬20,000 per annum in reduced social welfare expenditure and increased tax revenue, and helps to create a reinforcing cycle of positive economic benefits.
Minister Bruton said:
“Every job created is a life changed, a family improved, a community enhanced.
“It is by increasing job creation that we can grow tax revenues and ultimately improve people’s lives through better services and tax cuts.
“That is why we have placed job creation at the very heart of the Government’s agenda.
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Minister Bruton said the figures offer further confirmation that the plan is working.
“However, with unemployment still at 10.5 per cent and many people around the country yet to feel the benefits, we have a long way to go,
? he added.
The Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed (INOU) said the ongoing decrease in unemployment was to be welcomed.
“Notwithstanding the more positive outlook, unemployment is still an issue for far too many people,
? noted John Stewart, INOU coordinator.
“With 360,000 on the Live Register and over 164,000 people long-term unemployed there is no room for complacency.
“It is critical that people on the Live Register continue to be supported to access jobs.
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Mr Stewart added:
“Effective working between the Department of Social Protection’s Intreo Service and employers is absolutely crucial as is the need for a sophisticated job matching system that ensures a good fit between the unemployed person and the job.
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Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, also welcomed the figures.
“While the unemployment rate has dropped to 10.5 per cent, much work remains to be done in order to ensure the impact of the economic recovery is felt in every home in Dublin Fingal,
? said Deputy Farrell.