Unemployment rate creeps up slightly to 4.2%

The slight rise in unemployment in monthly terms comes following a period of rapid growth in the labour market and record employment levels which contributed to wage inflation

In terms of age, the unemployment rate for people aged 15-24 years increased to 8.1%, from a rate of 7.7% in May.

The unemployment rate crept upwards by 0.2% in June compared to the previous month, according to figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), suggesting the labour market is cooling somewhat.

Last month, the unemployment rate was 4.2% compared to 4% in May — however, the unemployment rate in June last year was higher at 4.4%, showing employment in Ireland continues to grow.