Meanwhile, the monthly unemployment rate continues to rise for young people aged between 15 and 24, with the youth unemployment rate climbing to 14%, up from a revised rate of 13.7% in the previous November. The youth unemployment rate has increased every month since May 2025, and on an annual basis, has risen from just 11.8%. Almost 8,000 more young people are now unemployed compared to December 2024, figures from the CSO show. For those aged 25 and over, the monthly unemployment rate was unchanged from the previous month at 3.8%. "As previously pointed out, it was predicted that the unemployment rate would increase to close to 5% by the end of 2025 before steadying.

Source: Irish Examiner January 07, 2026 12:17 UTC