12,300 spells on Live Register ended with person finding a job in April - Varadkar

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has commended the thousands of people who returned to work in April and were taken off the Live Register.

“Today’s CSO figures for the month of May show that large numbers of people are leaving the Live Register, with a 14% reduction in the live register in 12 months, a fall of 44,120 people. This fall in the Live Register is reflected in the number of people finding jobs in our growing economy. Last week’s QNHS figures showed that full-time employment rose by 84,200 in the 12 months to March, while my Department’s own figures show that in April, 12,300 spells on the Live Register ended with a person finding a job. Many of them will have been supported by the Department of Social Protection and other Departments,” Minister Varadkar said.

“I want to commend the thousands of personal stories that resulted in these people entering or returning to the workforce. Each case is obviously unique, but there are many common themes. They include older employees who have learned a new skill, people who set up their own business, with or without State support, and lone parents who have overcome numerous difficulties.

“These thousands of people usually get little or no recognition. But each one is a story of courage and perseverance.”

Ends