Mixed reaction to release of CSO low unemployment figures

With the release of the latest CSO figures on unemployment rates of 4.6% unemployment, the public have raised some fears in comments on social media across the country.

There’s a feeling among some people that the figures have been manipulated by Back to Work, CE, TUS, Jobpath and Back to Education schemes and that real figures for the unemployment rate in Ireland are much higher – raising claims of election propaganda.

A lot of people unhappy that although they are working, they’re struggling financially in low paid or part time jobs, while the cost of rents rises, resulting in them having to reluctantly rely on government subsidies to keep a roof over their heads through Housing Assistance Payments.

There are also claims that zero hour contracts and precarious working conditions are still providing very little stability, making it difficult for workers to borrow to buy a car to get to work or ever think about getting a mortgage.

Concerns also raised that there’s no mention of the number of people who have emigrated in reports.

So these are just some of the comments, but definitely some food for thought there. There was however some really positive feedback from people saying that they can now feel comfortable asking for a pay rise and that they can see more opportunities being advertised. Some followers commented on how there's a noticable increase in traffic conjestion in the mornings, which they feel may be an indicator that yes, more people are working.

Hopefully overall the figures are positive – but it’s great to see peoples’ opinions and certainly food for thought as election canvassing continues across the country

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