9% job growth in the midlands - CSO

Jobs figures published by the CSO show that employment has increased 9 per cent in the midlands, with a record level of employment reached nationally, with 2.5m people now at work.

The news has been welcomed by Minister of State Peter Burke, who was speaking after the publication of the Quarter 1 2022 Labour Force Survey published by the Central Statistics Office.

“Fine Gael has always prioritised job creation, and it is great to see that employment now stands at 2,505,800 million, in excess of the 2.5 million target set by the Government, ahead of that target date of 2024.

“In the wake of the Covid pandemic, the Government put a real focus on job creation to help get the economy back on its feet, just as Fine Gael did in the wake of the economic crash a decade ago.

“275,200 jobs were created in the year to Q1 2022. Female participation is at a record high and youth unemployment is at a record low.

“Fine Gael is working to build stronger safer communities and job creation across the country is crucial to that. It supports the regeneration of our towns and villages and revitalises our local communities. It provides disposable income to families and financial security after many lost their employment through no fault of their own during the pandemic.

“So it is particularly good to see that all regions have registered job growth as balanced regional development is a key government priority that I am keen to progress at every juncture. Employment outside of Dublin increased by 187,400 in the year to Q1 2022 (+ 12 percent).”, Burke concluded.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said:

“We now have more people employed in the country than at any other point in the history of the state. That is remarkable.

“Throughout the pandemic, we did our best to help businesses survive and hold onto their staff, so that when things opened up they could reopen and thrive. We set a goal to have 2.5m people at work by 2024 and thanks to the incredible fortitude of Irish businesses, their staff, families and communities, we have now exceeded that goal, with 2,505,800 people at work today.

“There has been jobs growth across all regions with the highest increases in the South West and South East, while female labour market participation is at a record high and the youth unemployment rate is at a record low.

“Our aim is to create good quality, secure jobs and to make sure work pays. I’m working on five new workers rights this year, including introducing mandatory sick pay, in addition to moving to a living wage starting next year, and auto enrolment so everyone who’s working has an occupational pension in addition to the state pension, starting in 2023.

“I know these numbers do not reflect the lived reality of some, and that many are still struggling and worried about the future. We continue to work hard to provide people with opportunities for good, sustainable jobs in every part of the country for anyone that wants one.

“We’re making available 50,000 reskilling and upskilling courses through our Recovery Plan, to help move to a more digital and climate resilient economy. We recognise that many of our small businesses are still trying to get back on their feet after a really tough few years and will continue to help them and we are working hard to continue to attract the very best multinational investment to all parts of Ireland.”