ESRI: Employment growth helping economy rise faster than expected

The economy is recovering faster than expected, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute.

It is forecasting economic growth this year of 2%, and an expansion by 2.7% next year.

The ESRI said the improvement is because employment is rising and consumer spending is picking up.

However, the think tank has urged Finance Minister Michael Noonan not to ease up on austerity in next week's Budget.

The institute wants the Government to press ahead with the full €3.1bn of tax increases and spending cuts, despite Minister's Noonan's announcement yesterday that he is seeking a €2.5bn saving.

It said one more tough budget is better than dragging out the austerity over two more years.