Unemployment rose by 207,400 during the second quarter of this year to 2,381,500, the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2000, according to the most recent Active Population Survey (EPA) figures published today.

At 10.44%, unemployment rose 0.8% over the last three months to its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2004 when it reached 10.56%.

The construction sector was hardest hit (-87,100 jobs), followed by services (-39,700), those out of work for more than 12 months (+29,400), first job-seekers (+24,900), industry (-19,500) and agriculture (-7,000).

Over the last twelve months, unemployment has risen by 612,600 at an average rate of 1,678 per day.