Unemployment fell in June to 18.3% from 21.9% in May, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office, as the economy continues to re-open from Covid-19 restrictions.
This includes those in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
When those on the PUP are excluded, the traditional measure of unemployment fell to 7.6% in June on a seasonally adjusted basis. This compares to 7.8% in May.
When adjusted to include those on the PUP, the unemployment rate for those aged 15-24 was 44.2%. It was 15.5% for those aged 25-74.
The CSO estimates that 8.1% of those in receipt of the PUP are in full time education. Based on the current number of PUP recipients, this is just over 18,000.
Those in full time education would not normally receive unemployment payments.
The percentage of those aged under 25 estimated to be in full time education is 34%; for those 25 and over it is 1.3%, the CSO said.
Jack Kennedy, economist at global job site Indeed, said the fall in the jobless numbers is as a result of more businesses reopening and people finally being able to return to their jobs in sectors that have been suspended for months.
But Jack Kennedy said worries remain for those in sectors such as aviation or entertainment that will likely be the last to resume full activity.
"Similarly, with a delay to the next stage of re-opening announced, it's likely we’ll see recovery slow until it's safe to recommence the recovery roadmap," he added.
