Unemployment figures rise by 1,285

Unemployment figures released today have realised the worst fears of the country's workforce.

There were 1285 more people signing on the dole last month, bringing the total number for October to 141,835.

When seasonally adjusted, the figure is a massive increase of 5,200. The latest statistics do not take into account yesterday's job losses of almost 1,200.

The Government has acknowledged the figures are extremely disappointing but Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs Dermot Ahern says the economy will bounce back, in time.