More job losses to come, warn economists

DESPITE figures showing a decline in the number of dole claimants, economists are warning that employment levels will continue to plummet in 2011.

The latest Live Register figures from the CSO show the number claiming the dole rose by 5,600 compared to December 2010. The total stands at 442,667.

However, there was a smaller rise than recorded in any January for the last three years meaning the seasonally adjusted figure fell by 6,900 to 439,200. That was the highest ever monthly drop on an adjusted basis