The latest unemployment figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the Irish jobs market remains generally strong. Youth unemployment is traditionally higher and the EU average is just under 15 per cent. Nonetheless, the rise in youth unemployment here is a trend which needs to be watched. The increase in youth unemployment may also indicate general softness in areas of the market, despite labour shortages in others. The indications are that the jobs market remains broadly healthy, but this trend of rising youth unemployment does require careful monitoring.
