Ernst and Young forecast rise in unemployment

There is no significant improvement on the horizon for the Irish jobs market, according to the latest forecast by Ernst and Young.

The forecast projects that unemployment will reach 15.3% next year.

Ernst and Young say the Government must focus on making it easier and more affordable for businesses to increase their workforces in order to boost the jobs market.

They also say that GDP this year will remain flat, rising to just 1% in 2013 and 1.9% the following year, and the export market will fall further next year.

Economic Advisor to Ernst and Young, Neil Gibson, said employers in a position to hire should do so.