Just 1.7m people at work as jobless levels increase

The number of people at work in Ireland has fallen to its lowest level since 2003, with just 1.7m people working at the end of March.

The latest jobs figures by the CSO show that 18,100 fewer people have jobs now compared to a year ago.

The Quarterly National Household Survey reveals that employment levels fell by 1% over the period, with the biggest decreases recorded among those aged 20-34. At the same time, the unemployment rate has continued to increase, albeit at a slower rate than last year.