General Industry News

Unemployment hits pandemic low of 12.4% as economy begins to rebound

The Irish Times – 01.09.21

The State’s Covid-adjusted unemployment rate fell to 12.4 per cent in August, its lowest level since the start of the pandemic, as the phased reopening of the economy saw more people return to work. The latest jobless figures from Central Statistics Office (CSO) suggest economic activity is picking up in tandem with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions. The figures come as Government this week signalled the phased ending of restrictions with public transport reverting to full capacity on Wednesday and an easing of limits on indoor and outdoor events due next week.

Construction activity increased again in July, inflation hits record high

RTE – 09.08.21

There was a substantial increase in construction activity once again in July, according to the latest Construction Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) from Ulster Bank. While the index which tracks changes in total construction activity dropped from 65 in June to 62.8 in July, it still suggests a substantial increase in activity. Index readings above 50 signal an increase in activity on the previous month, while readings below 50 signal a decrease. Growth in housing activity continued to lead the overall expansion in July, despite the rate of increase easing further from May's record. Rates of expansion also softened in the commercial and civil engineering categories, but remained marked nonetheless.