The unemployment rate rose marginally in January to 5.3%, up from 5.2% in December, new figures from the Central Statistics Office show today.
When those on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) are included, the rate moved up to 7.8% from 7.4% in December. This compares to a jobless rate of 27.1%, including those on the PUP, recorded in January 2021.
January's figures are affected by the re-imposition of restrictions on some activities in the events and hospitality sectors for several weeks during the month.
Commenting on today's figures, Jack Kennedy, economist at global job site Indeed, said the labour market started the year on a negative note with unemployment rising slightly in January, against a backdrop of a very positive macro-economic outlook for the country in 2022.