Martin admits to difficulties on jobs

MINISTER for Enterprise Micheál Martin has admitted 2008 will be a difficult year on the jobs’ front, as new figures show unemployment topped 29% in parts of his home county.

Overall, the increase in numbers on the live register reached a staggering 26% in the southwest.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office showed a total of 4,292 more people were signing on the live register in Cork city and county last month, compared to the same period last year.