Figures published by the Central Statistics Office showed a startling increase in benefit claims by a seasonally adjusted 2,100, of which 1,900 were men. Overall, the number of males signing on has jumped 14.4% in the year to November compared with a rise of only 0.6% for females. November saw the biggest actual rise in six years when an additional 5,000 signed on.
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This surge in benefit claims is being largely attributed to layoffs in construction, not only because of the split in the sexes, but also in further statistics which demonstrate a drop in its workforce by an approximate 4.9%, forcing many of the workers to the job centres.
The claimant statistics are now at a six-year high, and as further foreboding news filters through on the level of new builds and house completions facing an exponential downturn, analysts are predicting further difficulties for construction workers.
At present, there are approximately 280,300 employed in the construction sector, which is at its highest level since the turn of the millennium and the industry can only hope the level is not at its peak.
(DW)
