Unemployment Falls Almost 6% In The Year To June 2019

Ireland's unemployment rate remained unchanged in the month to June 2019, but is almost 6% lower than in June 2018.

According to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed was 109,700 in June 2019 compared to 109,400 in May 2019. When compared to June 2018, there was an annual decrease of 30,500 in the seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed.

Key points of the unemployment figures include:

• In June 2019 the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.7% for males, remaining unchanged from May 2019, and down from 6.0% in June 2018

• The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for females was 4.3% in June 2019 compared to 4.2% in May 2019, and down from 5.7% in June 2018

• The seasonally adjusted number of males unemployed in June 2019 was 61,400 compared to 61,600 in May 2019. In June 2019, the seasonally adjusted number of females unemployed was 48,300 compared to 47,800 in May 2019

• The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for persons aged 15-24 years (youth unemployment rate) was 10.1% in June 2019 compared to 10.0% in May 2019

Welcoming the figures, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, said: "The drop in the unemployment rate in the twelve months from 5.9% in June 2018 to 4.5% in June 2019 is quite significant and, especially so when compared with February 2012, when it peaked at 16.0%. We have continued to make huge inroads into tackling unemployment in every region and, as a result, the country is now benefiting from a strong workforce and thriving economy.

"In the area of youth unemployment, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 10.1% in June 2019 compared to 14.3% in June 2018. This is an improvement but I and my Government colleagues will continue to concentrate our efforts in providing the supports needed by our young people with apprenticeships and training."

(MH/JG)