Number of workers set to hit two million

THE number of people at work will surpass two million for the first time this year, according to a new report by the Small Firms’ Association (SFA).

The SFA's latest economic bulletin said 61,000 new jobs will be created this year, a 60% rise on the number of jobs added in 2004.

"This is a further demonstration that, given an economic environment committed to low inflation, low taxes and low interest rates, small business will respond by creating jobs and boosting economic growth," SFA director Pat Delaney said.