Employment rates - Women must be treated as equals

IT is heartening to note that for the first time ever in this country the employment rate for women has crept over the 60% mark, a figure which leaps from the pages of the quarterly national household survey.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence, one way or another, to show whether a level playing field is opening between men and women where pay is concerned. Nor does the survey explore if women are achieving greater representation at management or board level.

Despite reports that activity in the building industry is slowing down, employment in construction is booming and immigration continues to soar.

Doubtless, the Government will be concerned by increasing unemployment levels. Now standing at 104,800, up 8,100 in a year, this reflects a worrying trend at a time of growing economic uncertainty.