Monthly unemployment rate of 6.2% December 2017

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2017 was 6.2%, down from the revised rate of 6.4% in November 2017 and down from 7.5% in December 2016.

The seasonally adjusted number of persons unemployed was 146,700 in December 2017, down from 149,900 when compared to the November 2017 figure and a decrease of 26,900 when compared to December 2016.

Summary points for December

• In December 2017 the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.6% for males, down from 6.7% in November 2017 and down from 7.6% in December 2016.

• The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for females in December 2017 was 5.8%, down from 6.0% in November 2017 and down from 7.2% in December 2016.

• The seasonally adjusted number of males unemployed in December 2017 was 84,200, down from 85,300 in November 2017. In December 2017 the seasonally adjusted number of females unemployed was 62,400, a decrease of 2,100 when compared to November 2017.

• The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for persons aged 15-24 years (youth unemployment rate) was 13.7% in December 2017, a decrease from 14.0% in November 2017.

CSO reports