Central Bank report - Just a flicker of optimism

YESTERDAY’S predictions from the Central Bank were not enough to cause anyone to break out the champagne but they were not entirely bleak either.

Though the bank believes that more people will lose their jobs this year they anticipated a “modest” upturn in the economy in the second half of the year.

Though unemployment will remain high next year the report predicted that output growth will not be strong enough to create jobs until sometime late next year.

Job creation and the ability to sustain employment are the twin pillars of any economic recovery. They are also the engines Government depend on for the income needed to reduce debt and sustain public services.

Is it too much to hope that some of those contemplating industrial action we cannot afford right now might consider this report and its implications?