Unemployment figures fall in September

Unemployment fell by nearly 9,000 last month, according to figures published by the Central Statistics Office.

However, when seasonally adjusted the figure actually shows a small jump in unemployment of around 200. With high-profile company closures and cutbacks such as Dell, Irish Ispat and Gateway, many officials were bracing themselves for a steep increase in the unemployment rate and today's figure will come as a pleasant surprise.

But, many of the job losses, while announced by the company, have not yet taken affect. And with a relatively tight job market, many others have already found other employment. Minister for Social Welfare Dermot Ahern said the figures, while welcome, should be viewed with caution.

"The decrease is certainly to be welcomed," he said, "However, it is less than normal for this time of year. "

The decrease in the September Live Register compares with a decrease of 14,000 for the same period last year. The figures show 140,550 people on the Live Register.