ACCORDING to the latest figures, the number of people living in Cork East Constituency on the live register has doubled in 2 years to reach as total of more than 12,500, says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton.
“Cork East Constituency, which I represent in Dail Eireann, covers parts of East and North Cork including Carrigtwohill, Cobh, Fermoy, Mallow, Midleton, Mitchelstown and Youghal. The number of people signing on here has increased from 6076 in August 2008 to 12540 in August 2010.
“Like other areas across the country, the numbers signing on in social welfare offices in Cobh, Fermoy, Mallow, Midleton and Youghal is steadily increasing. Very few new jobs are being created. If the Government does not act to stimulate the economy and generate jobs, many of the people out of work now could be unemployed for a long time or be forced to emigrate like tens of thousands of others who have already left Ireland.
“With 466,923 people signing on, the national unemployment rate is now at 13.8%, our highest for decades. Just over 40% of those who recently lost their jobs had been craft related workers, plant and machinery operatives mostly employed in construction, trades and industry. Without access to training, education and upskilling opportunities it will be very hard for many of these people to re-enter the workforce.
“The downturn in construction and industry means fewer job opportunities for young people and has left many people learning a trade unable to complete apprenticeships. Youth unemployment continues to rise. There are now almost 95,000 people under 25 now out of work. In Cork East alone there are 2,162 young people signing on.
“Continued rising unemployment is forcing people to leave the country in the search for work. Such large scale emigration and talent “brain drain” must be addressed to avoid further damage to jobs and economy says Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton.