Live register drops by 2,800 people

The live register decreased by 15,350 (-8.7%) people in September to 160,466. This compares with a corresponding decrease of 15,131 (-8.1%) in September of last year.

The seasonally-adjusted total decreased from 166,500 in August to 163,700 this month, a decrease of 2,800.

In the year to September 2004 there was a decrease of 10,356 (-6.1%). This compares to an annual decrease of 10,137 (-5.5%) recorded in the year to August 2004.

Other features include:

- The monthly decrease of 15,350 comprised decreases of 10,763 females and 4,587 males.

- The monthly decrease in the Seasonally Adjusted series of 2,800 comprised decreases of 800 males and 2,100 females.

- The standardised unemployment rate in September was 4.5%. This compares with 4.6% in April 2004, based on the Quarterly National Household Survey. See table 3 and background notes.

- In the month, the estimated number of casual and part-time workers on the live register was 8,039 males and 12,713 females.

The live register includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week) and seasonal and casual workers entitled to social welfare.