Further Positive News on Unemployment Front -Tánaiste Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.7%

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment today (Friday 7^th April 2000) welcomed the substantial fall of 8,600 in the Live Register for March which she said "reflected the very buoyant labour market, with substantial employment growth translating into falls in unemployment". The Standardised Unemployment Rate (SUR) has now fallen to 4.7%.

The Tánaiste said "these figures represent a continuation of the very positive downward trend in the Live Register in past months. Overall, the Live Register has decreased by more than 37,000 (in excess of 18%) compared to one year ago. During this period, support measures for young and certain groups of adult unemployed offered under the Employment Action Plan has been in operation".

"The results of this activation programme have been positive. For example, in the case of persons under 25 where over 16,000 people have been referred to FÁS for supports, by end January 2000, over 80% of these had left the Live Register. Of these, over 60% left for positive reasons: to a job, FÁS programme or education. Last month, the EAP support regime was rolled out to one of the largest groups of adult unemployed - those in the 35-54 year age group", the Tánaiste added.

Combined with this support, the Tánaiste pointed to the further significant reductions in personal and corporate taxation, implemented this month, following changes made under last December's Budget. Policies of this nature will act to improve the incentive for employers to offer and for potential recruits to seek and accept a job.