The rate of unemployment increased to 4.6 per cent from 4.2 per cent in the third quarter of the year and the rate of job creation has slowed sharply, according to the latest National Household Survey published today.
The survey, which is widely seen as the most accurate gauge of employment trends, found there were 86,700 unemployed in the third quarter of 2002, a rise of 7,200 in the year and 9,500 in the quarter.
All of the increase was accounted for by those in short-term unemployment, according to the survey.
The survey also shows the rate of employment growth in the Irish economy has slowed significantly. Employment increased in the third quarter to 1,794,800, representing an increase of just 8,200, or 0.5 per cent, in the year.
The annual rate of increase was significantly lower than the 1.9 per cent recorded in the second quarter and the 2.7 per cent growth between the third quarters of 2000 and 2001.
The survey also confirms that industry is continuing to bare the brunt of the slowdown. The number of persons employed in industry was down 16,800 or 5 per cent in the first nine months year of the year.
Other sectors showing annual decreases were agriculture, forestry and fishing (-4,600), financial services (-1,600).
However the public recorded a rise in numbers employed. Increases were seen in health (+11,500), public administration and defence (+5,800) and, to a lesser extent, Education (+3,100).