Jobless rate in west demands action

THE increase in jobless numbers in the West over the past two years demands immediate action, according to business representative group IBEC.[private] The Quarterly National Household Survey Q4 2010 figures show that 31,000 people are unemployed in the West region. The region's unemployment rate has increased substantially to 14.7 per cent compared with 9.4 per cent two years ago. IBEC regional director John Brennan said: 'The figures highlight the serious impact the economic downturn has had on the region. 31,000 people are out of work locally and over 299,000 nationally. Businesses want to see a relentless focus on reform, cost savings, competitiveness and the support of enterprise.' He said the unemployment crisis must be tackled head-on, especially long-term unemployment. 'We need to put in place advice and training services for those who have lost their jobs so they are able to take up work when companies start hiring again.'[/private]