The number of redundancies fell by almost 16 per cent in July compared with a year earlier, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation said today.
The data showed 5,298 jobs were lost to the economy last month, compared with 6,285 in July 2009, and 5,326 in June.
However, although the rate of losses has slowed, a large number of jobs have been lost so far this year. The latest figures bring to 39,105 the number of redundancies in 2010. The losses were spread throughout the employment sectors, but the services and manufacturing sectors were hardest hit.
The figures were published the same day that the Central Statistics Office said the unemployment rate rose to 13.7 per cent and an additional 8,500 people signed on to the Live Register.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation Batt O'Keeffe said the slowing rate of layoffs was an indicator that economic recovery is underway. He said the number of redundancies lodged to the Department last month was lower than in any month last year except December.
Lobby groups for SMEs today called for the Government to intervene to save jobs.
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Isme) said the immediate introduction of a comprehensive National Economic Plan with an national employment strategy was needed to address the escalating jobs crisis.
"The total lack of an overall economic plan for the country is a national disgrace, which will have repercussions for years to come," said Isme chief executive Mark Fielding.
"The Government seem to have bought into the idea that Ireland is set for 'jobless growth' and have turned a deaf ear to calls for a jobs stimulus package, which will more than pay for itself. The lack of innovative economic and business thinking, leading to a form of paralysis at cabinet level is mind boggling."
SFA director Avine McNally said the redundancy figures were not surprising.
"While we have seen some job announcements in recent weeks, the July redundancy figures clearly show action to date is not enough to stem the tide," she said.
"The only way to solve the unemployment crisis is through generating economic activity. It is essential that Government prioritise the restoration of cost competitiveness to the small business sector; generate confidence in the economy and create the enterprise environment where job losses can be stabilised and jobs created."
