Professionals and women add to dole queues

PROFESSIONALS, women and older workers are joining the dole queues at a faster rate than young men, according to CSO statistics that have thrown into disarray Government claims that the economy had “turned the corner”.

The seasonally adjusted figures show the numbers seeking employment assistance from the state jumped by 8,500 during July, the biggest monthly rise this year.

The overall unemployment rate stands at 13.7%, its highest in 16 years.