Live register - Long-term jobless still a concern

With good news rarer than hens’ teeth these days, it is, perhaps, timely to applaud the Government’s welcome news that the number of people signing on the live register has fallen below 400,000 for the first time since May 2009 and the crash which brought the economy to its knees.

Essentially, what this means is that more than 30,000 fewer people are now claiming benefits at labour exchanges across the country than a year ago. Such bright statistics put the overall unemployment rate at 11.9%, the lowest level in over four years, and below the eurozone average of 12%.

It also means that for thousands of families struggling to make ends meet, things are a little better. People who a year ago were mired in debt are now bringing wages home. The upbeat signs are the economy is finally turning the corner. For those back at work, a modicum of dignity is restored.