State Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.8% in April Amid Global Volatility

The State’s unemployment rate decreased to 4.8 per cent in April, down from a revised 5 per cent in March. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) reported 140,300 people were unemployed in April, a decrease from 146,200 the previous month, though this represents an annual rise of 6,100.

Despite global economic uncertainties, including the conflict in the Middle East, the State’s labor market remains robust with a record 2.83 million employed. The unemployment rate for males in April was 4.5 per cent and for females was 5.2 per cent. The youth unemployment rate also fell to 9.8 per cent from 11.2 per cent in March.

Virginia Sondergeld from Indeed noted that while oil prices have reacted to potential conflict resolution, forecasts for economic growth are being reviewed globally due to increased goods and services prices and emergency government measures. Forecasters in Ireland have already lowered expectations for economic and jobs growth in 2026 and 2027, anticipating slower growth rates.