THE NUMBERS on the Live Register fell close to their lowest in two years last month – but when seasonal adjustments are taken into account, the number fell by just 100.
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office show a total of 417,593 people signing on in April.
That figure is the lowest in two years, with the exception of last November, when it was just under 300 lower.
However, when seasonal adjustments are taken in account, the number rises to 426,900 – a mere 100 lower than its figure for March.
In all, Ireland’s unemployment rate remains at 14.0 per cent.
The number of long-term claimants – those who have been signing on for over 12 months – is up slightly over the last year; 44,6 per cent of all claimants have been signing on for over a year now, compared with 42.8 per cent in April 2012.
The number of under-25s signing on is down over the last year, however, falling by 6,447 – as a result either of people finding work, returning to education, or emigrating.
People under 25 now account for 15.6 per cent of all people on the Live Register, having accounted for 16.5 per cent of claimants a year ago, and 18.1 per cent a year before that.
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