Drop in claimants ‘hides impact of emigration’

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell last month, but the number of long-term claimants has increased over the same period last year.

Some 430,900 people signed on the Live Register in December — a drop of 1,400 from November.

The seasonally adjusted figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed a monthly drop of 1,800 males on the dole and an increase of 400 females.