Foreign nationals seeking work last month at rate of 2,000 a week

FOREIGN nationals came to look for work here at a rate of 2,000 a week last month, despite the fact the unemployment rate has soared to 9.2%.

Figures released by the Department of Social and Family Affairs showed a total of 8,499 Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers were allocated to foreign nationals coming to work here in January.

Any person wishing to work in Ireland must have a PPS number, which also allows the recipient to gain access to social welfare benefits, public services and information.