Statement by ISME on recent Unemployment Figures
Wednesday, 6th February 2008
ISME, the Independent Business Organisation, has outlined its concern at the latest live register figures that confirm that the unemployment level has jumped to 4.9%, the highest level since December 1999. In a week when hundreds of job losses were announced in Allergen and Jacob Fruitfield, the Association called on the Government to 'stop sitting on its hands' and address what could become a potential crisis.
According to ISME Chief Executive Mark Fielding, "while the latest figures have not come as a surprise, they are worse than initially anticipated, with an additional 22,000 people on the live register in comparison to the same period last year. While the downturn in the Construction sector has had a significant impact on job losses, what is of considerable concern is the reduction in jobs in the manufacturing sector, with employment in the sector virtually in 'freefall'
The Manufacturing sector continues to shed jobs at an alarming rate, with many companies blaming the cost environment on their current predicament. Urgent action is required by the Government to save the remaining jobs that exist in the sector and prevent these jobs being exported to cheaper destinations.
Letters to the Editor
- Editorialread more »
Google AlertWhen a company which has it's European Headquarters here in Ireland is called 'evil' and 'immoral' by M.P.s in The House of Commons you tend to sit up and take notice. The particular company that was being referred to was Google and the reason it had enraged M.P.s in London was because even though it has a big operation there and conducts a lot of business there it pays no corporate tax. It does this by having all of its financial transactions finished here in Ireland. And the company here is …
