Some first quarter economic statistics

The Quarterly National Household Survey for January-March 2010.

Number at work in Q1, 2010 was 1,857,000 (-30,100)

Number at work in Q4, 2009 was 1,887,100

Number at work in Q1, 2009 was 1,965,000 (-108,000 in one year)

The economy has lost 266,500 jobs over the past two years.

Male employment is down 202,600 – over 76% of the total job losses.

The employment rate of persons between 15 and 64 fell to 60.2% in Q1. This is the lowest level since Q2 of 1998.

The unemployment rate in Q1 is 12.9%

In Q4 2009, it was 13.3% (? emigration or dropping out of labour market)

2010 Long term unemployed Q1 112,600 out of total 275,000

2009 Long term unemployed Q1 49,100 out of total 222,800

The figures speak for themselves. Irisheconomy.ie is an excellent site for opinions mixed with facts