asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of persons unemployed on 31st March, 1976, 30th June, 1976, 30th September, 1976 and 30th November, 1976; and the cost to the Exchequer arising from this unemployment.
Written Answers. - Unemployment Figures.
Information as to the numbers of persons registered on the live register as unemployed on the dates mentioned by the Deputy is not available as the register is compiled only on Friday each week. The numbers registered as unemployed—excluding smallholders, who are not included in the live register—in the weeks in which these dates occurred are as follows:
Friday 2nd April, 1976 |
115,177 |
Friday 2nd July, 1976 |
110,172 |
Friday 1st October, 1976 |
108,188 |
Friday 3rd December, 1976 |
111,292 |
The information sought by the Deputy, in so far as the cost to the Exchequer of unemployment benefit is concerned, is not available. This benefit, like the other social insurance benefits, is payable out of the social insurance fund. The fund is financed by contributions by employers, employees and the Exchequer but the amount of the Exchequer contribution is not apportioned between the different benefits. It is estimated, however, that the amount of unemployment benefit which will be paid in 1976 will be in the region of £44 million.
Unemployment Assistance is paid directly from the Exchequer. It is estimated that the cost of unemployment assistance—including the amount paid to smallholder recipients—will be in the region of £50 million in 1976.