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Numbers in employment exceed 2 million


In the second quarter of 2006 there were 2,017,000 persons in employment which represents an annual increase of 87,800 or 4.6%. This is fifth successive quarter where the annual employment growth rate has exceeded 4.5% and is the first time the number of persons in employment has exceeded 2 million.


Migration and increased participation fuel labour force growth


The labour force increased strongly by 93,500 (+4.6%) to 2,108,300 in the year to the second quarter of 2006. Demographic factors accounted for an estimated 65,700 of this increase. Net inward migration is estimated to have accounted for almost 80% of these demographic factors.


These figures are taken from the latest Quarterly National Household Survey results, published today (12th September 2006). The main results are summarised below.

Main results Q2 2006 Persons Change in quarter Change in year
Employment
2,017,000
+18,900
+87,800
Unemployment
91,400
+3,200
+5,800
Labour Force
2,108,300
+22,000
+93,500


There were 91,400 persons unemployed in the second quarter of 2006, representing an increase of 5,800 in the year. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.4% showing no change from that recorded in the previous quarter.


Continued growth in Construction and Services sectors


Employment in the Construction (+20,300) and Wholesale and retail trade (+17,500) sectors continued to grow strongly in the year to the second quarter of 2006. Strong growth was also recorded in Health (+13,200), Education (+12,500), Financial and other business services (+10,200) and Public administration and defence (+6,900). In contrast, there was an annual decline of 5,700 in Other production industries however, the quarterly change for the sector showed an increase of 3,500.


For further information contact


Noel Ryan on 021 453 5491 or Michael Quinlan on 021 453 5301
Fax 021 453 5492
E-mail labour@cso.ie

12 September 2006


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