Unemployment figures have rocketed to 16.5% in March, the worst since the financial crash.
And it's going to be higher again at the end of April, with more people signing on for coronavirus emergency benefits since the start of the month.
These will add significantly to the growing numbers on economic life-support from the Government, with the country’s lockdown set to continue for the coming weeks.
The Covid-19 crisis has decimated the Irish economy, with the latest figures from the Department of Social Protection showing 16.5% of the workforce heading for the dole queues in March.
Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty, delivered the sad news of the official jobless toll so far.
She said: “Today’s Covid-19 influenced unemployment rate really demonstrates the unique nature of the challenge we face.
“Looking at the upper estimate, the rate has more than trebled in a month and the 16.5% measured today is the highest Monthly Unemployment rate in the CSO series dating back to 1998.
“This percentage may rise further once this month’s recipients of a Covid-19 payment are factored into the April data.
“This once in a century level of activity was reflected in the fact that my Department dealt with three years of activity within the last month alone and I’d like to acknowledge the hard work of all the Department’s employees in meeting such a historic challenge.”
Ms Doherty added: “Despite today’s stark figures, we must remember this is a temporary health emergency and we must ensure that it is also a temporary employment emergency for as many people as possible.
“I am pleased to see increasing numbers of employers are availing of the Temporary Wage Subsidy scheme and keeping their employees on their books.
“This, along with the other business support measures being provided, will help many businesses ‘switch on’ rapidly when the health restrictions are lifted.
“I believe that the Irish people - with the Government’s support and resources - have the resolve to overcome the challenges thrown at us and we will get Ireland back working again.”
Meanwhile, new research has revealed job seekers are desperately looking for “any vacancies” during the emergency.
The numbers looking for any job at all have more than doubled and those seeking a job where they can work from or near their home is up more than 150%.
But sadly the number of jobs out there has dried-up too with vacancies postings down a third.
The statistics from jobs website 'Indeed' show the beauty, hospitality and tourism sectors have been hammered hardest.
