Number of unskilled jobs to rise

HIGH-VALUE jobs are being replaced with an increasing number of unskilled positions, according to figures published yesterday by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The CSO said the economy, as measured by GDP, grew by 4.1% in the 12 months to the end of June, but that employment growth of 4.5% was recorded for the same period. This suggested employment was falling in the high value-added sector of the labour market, with the shortfall being picked up by lower-paid jobs.

The CSO figures on economic growth also suggested that the government’s full-year target will not be met. The Department of Finance had predicted growth of 5% for the year to December.