# Unemployment
This year
2023
Monthly unemployment reaches all-time low of 3.8%
The unemployment rate was last at 3.9% between October 2000 and April 2001 at the height of the Celtic Tiger.
Ireland's level of unemployment has reached its lowest point in more than 20 years
The 4% unemployment barrier was broken in April, which the Department said is ‘commonly taken as the full level of employment’.
Unemployed who worked 5 years or more before losing job to get €450 per week under Govt plan
Minister Heather Humphreys says she wants to bring proposals to Government this year on the new pay-related benefit plan.
Last year
2022
Warning over linking unemployment benefits to previous earnings
The Economic and Social Research Institute said the move would give rise to weaker financial work incentives unless capped or time-limited.
Slight rise in unemployment in December, with the PUP reopening due to Covid restrictions
The unemployment rate in December 2021, adjusted due to the PUP, stood at 7.5%.
All time
'Order being restored' to public finances at a faster pace than expected, economists say
“Significant investments” in housing, climate change and healthcare will be required, the ESRI said.
10,000 jobseekers to be paid €306 per week as new work placement scheme launched
The Pathways to Work 2021-2025 strategy was launched by the government this morning.
Government announces €3.5 billion plan to get the economy through Covid
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be phased out as part of the Covid-19 stimulus plan.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be phased out as part of the Covid-19 stimulus plan
The Covid wage subsidy scheme will be extended until the end of the year
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the pandemic caused "the most rapid and dramatic recession recorded outside of the world wars"
Minimum wage workers disproportionately affected by pandemic disruption, says ESRI
With cost of living taken into account, Ireland has just the seventh-highest minimum wage in Europe.
New unemployment payment linked to past working history set to be introduced when PUP is phased out
Varadkar said the phasing out of the PUP provides an opportunity to reform the country’s social welfare system.
Christmas Bonus will be paid to over 1.6 million people in early December
The bonus will be paid in the week beginning 7 December.
One in every five people out of work in October
Young people have been hit especially hard in the latest unemployment figures.
Over 34,000 additional people receiving PUP since start of Level 5
Almost 330,000 people are now receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Irish economy to shrink by between 0.4% and 1.1% this year, says Central Bank
The latest forecast is buoyed by the ‘resilience’ of Irish exports.
Covid-19 unemployment rates fell in September but 'significant impact' remains
CSO figures show that the unemployment rate in September for people aged 15 to 24 rose to 18.9% – down from 19.5% in August.
New Pandemic Unemployment Payment bands kick in today, here's what you need to know
The PUP will move from two rates of payment to three rates, and the top rate is being reduced.
Pandemic Unemployment Payment to remain open for new applicants until end of 2020
Changes to payment rates will still go ahead as planned on 17 September.
Unemployment rate - including those on PUP - stands at 16.7%
Just over 41% of people in the labour force aged between 15 and 24 were unemployed in July.
Pandemic Unemployment Payment extended - but some rates will be tapered from 17 September
The wage subsidy scheme will also be extended but the Taoiseach indicated a move away from supports towards greater employment.
Minister signals change to pandemic unemployment payment on the way
Some 95,800 people are now receiving the reduced payment of €203 per week.
Man arrested as part of investigation into Pandemic Unemployment Payment fraud
The investigation is linked with up to 25 separate claims made under the scheme, totalling over €56,000.
Over one million people on Live Register or getting unemployment payment
The number of people in receipt of Covid-related payments is decreasing as more businesses start to reopen.
Covid-19 has made low-paid jobs 'worse for workers but more valuable to society'
A new paper calls on policymakers to ‘transform’ precarious and low-paid jobs.
Pandemic Unemployment Payment to be extended for months, but reduced for part-timers
The Taoiseach made the announcement at midday today.
Ibec warns of the 'sharpest compression of economic activity in living memory'
The business lobbying group forecasts Irish unemployment to level off at 16% and GDP to contract by 11% for the year.
Half of under-24s in Ireland are unemployed, CSO figures suggest
If all claimants of the Covid-19 PUP payment are included, 26.1% of the Irish workforce are unemployed.
ESRI warns against austerity measures in short-term as economy heals from the pandemic
The think-tank has sketched the likely impact of the virus across a range of Irish economic indicators.
People warned not to fall for unemployment payment text scam
The text states that the recipient is due to receive a payment, and asks them to click on a link.
Taoiseach hopes it will be possible for grandparents to visit and hug their grandchildren over the summer
Leo Varadkar said a limited easing of restrictions could begin on Monday.
Ireland's unemployment rate would be 28.2% if people on pandemic payment were included
The CSO has said people on the payment do not meet the definition of being unemployed.
Tourism, food and construction worst-hit by Covid-19 job losses
Social protection minister Regina Doherty said she would hope construction workers would be returning to work soon.
Bord na Móna employees will continue to turn up for work every day despite attempted lay-offs
Last week it was confirmed that up to 230 workers were to be removed from the company’s payroll.
Donohoe describes predicted 22% unemployment rate as 'horrific'
However, the finance minister said Ireland will rebuild its economy.
Future changes to pandemic payment and wage subsidy scheme to be considered, says minister
Paschal Donohoe says people may have to move to normal social welfare schemes and wages subsidy scheme will have to be tapered.
Over a million people in Ireland receiving some sort of State income support
Around 50,000 people currently receiving the unemployment payment are receiving income support for the first time.
Recipients of Covid-19 illness benefit who were underpaid will get arrears this week
The department said the benefit was paid at the original rate “pending the system being built to apply the increased rate”.
More than 850,000 people now claiming Covid-19 unemployment benefits
Tánaiste Simon Coveney also confirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs has helped some 4,600 Irish citizens return home.
Over 500,000 people either out of work or receiving pandemic payments, new stats show
The CSO released the figures this morning.
Explainer: Here are the payments you're entitled to if your income is impacted by the coronavirus
The government today announced additional supports.
