The number of people out of work fell by more than 6,000 in April, the largest drop since last autumn. In a reversal of the recent rising trend, 156,200 people signed on the live register last month, down from 162,300 in March. On a seasonally-adjusted basis, the figure fell to 159,000 from 164,600, Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures showed.
However, the April figures were enhanced by the early timing of Easter in March this year. Easter sees a seasonal rise in the numbers on the register because, with schools closed, cleaners and temporary teachers sign on. The jobless numbers then fall after Easter as people return to work.
The resumption of employment in the tourism and agricultural sectors, both of which were badly affected by foot-and-mouth disease last year, also bolstered the figures. Still, when compared with April last year, nearly 20,000 more people were signing on the "dole".
The standardised unemployment rate in April also rose to 4.2 per cent from 3.7 per cent in April last year but it was down from the 4.3 per cent recorded in March. "This is certainly a positive development," the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney said. "The figures suggest an upward trend in employment and I am confident that trend can be continued." Economists also saw the data as a sign that the economy was improving. "It is the most significant turning point in unemployment we've seen this year," said Mr Colin Hunt, economist with Goodbody Stockbrokers.
Meanwhile, business lobby group IBEC welcomed slower wage growth in services as a positive sign for jobs and inflation. The latest CSO figures for earnings in the distribution and business services showed wage growth slowed to 6 per cent in the last quarter of 2001 from 8.6 per cent in the third quarter.
"Slower nominal wage growth should lead to lower inflation and better real gains for workers. More moderate wage growth will also have a positive influence on unemployment," IBEC said.
The average weekly earnings of full-time employees in the distribution and services sectors were €561.68 in December.
