Numbers on Live Register rises slightly

The Central Statistics Office has reported a slight increase in the number of people on the Live Register in Ireland last month.

The CSO said the total number of people signing on fell by 2,688 in May, but when seasonal factors were taken into account, the numbers rose by 1,800 to 168,000.

On an annual basis, the CSO said the Live Register figures had decreased by 2.5% in the 12 months to the end of May, compared to an annual decrease of 3.7% in the year to the end of April.

The Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed has expressed concern at the figures, saying they represented the highest monthly increase in almost a year.

Spokesman Eric Conroy said: “The absolute figures are down, but if you look at the adjusted figures, which take account of seasonal varieties and help you to have a look at the long-term trends, it’s up and it’s up by a reasonable four-figure sum.

"Some of the ups and downs in recent months have been small, but this is 1,800 and the highest in 10 months.”