Live register figures drop not yet a sign of recovery

Live register figures drop not yet a sign of recovery


Anton McNulty

THE decrease in the numbers of people signing on the live register in Mayo was given a cautious welcome by the Minister of Labour Affair, Dara Calleary, TD, who stressed that it was not yet a sign of an up-turn in the economy.
The live register figures for September released by the Central Statistics Office show that for the first time this year there was a decrease in the number of people signing on the dole. Mayo recorded the biggest decrease nationally with 12,114 signing on the live register in September compared to 13,013 in August - a 6.9 per cent drop.
There were decreases recorded in every local social welfare office in the county but the figure still shows an increase of 5,013 signing-on compared to 12 months ago.
The decrease in the numbers signing on in September were welcomed by Minister Calleary but he warned that September traditionally saw a decrease in the numbers signing on and expected another rise for October. However, he said a number of people who are signing off are going back to education and said this was only good for the long-term.
“Live register figures generally go down in September and I would always bear that mind, it doesn’t mean that the problem is easing. That said the rate of fall in September ‘09 is much lower than September ‘08, so that is a good indication that it is levelling off a bit but I would anticipate an increase again in October. We are working away trying to resolve that situation all the time but I wouldn’t like people’s hopes to be raised on September figures.
“However, I know from taking to people who came into the office in July and August in relation to grants, that there is a lot more interest in people and mature students going to College and back to work schemes. We are encouraging people who are able to go back to third level education and add onto their qualifications. I completely believe [it will help in the long term] because this downturn will not last forever and when the up-turn comes we need the most educated workforce possible. People will benefit from taking that chance now,” he said.
Minister Calleary said the employment situation in Mayo was very serious and the current economic climate was not helping international investment. However, he said that they were helping local businesses to hold onto staff and urged the public to remember to shop locally in the run-up to Christmas.
“I am very conscious of the employment situation in Mayo and we are working flat out to try and get people who are made unemployed better opportunities to turn things around,” he concluded.
Mayo jobseekers invited to attend free Interview skills seminar
THOSE currently seeking work in Co Mayo are invited to attend a free interview skills seminar hosted by Pitman Training Sligo next week.  Participants will be given practical advice on how to prepare a successful CV and will be shown the essential interview techniques needed to maximise their chance of securing a job offer.
The seminar will be delivered by the Director of Pitman Training Sligo, Margaret Cox.  “Basic interview skills are essential for everyone, and in the current economic environment it is really important to show a company how good you really are, and what an excellent match you would be for the job. Even the most experienced individual is concerned before they face an interview, and it is essential they prepare properly for the opportunity if they want to be successful Preparation is key to success, and individuals often forget how important it is to invest a little effort in getting it right for the interview.”
The seminar will be held this evening, Tuesday October 6, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Pitman Training’s Centre on JFK Parade in Sligo.  For more information please call Pitman Training on 071 9169097 or email news@pitmantraining.com .