Over 1.9 million people were employed in Ireland in the fourth quarter of 2013 according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office. Unemployment now stands at 12.1%.

Both these figures indicate that the trend of falling numbers of unemployed and increasing numbers in work has been maintained throughout 2013.

These figures would seem to mark a welcome sea change in the unemployment crisis. However, caution is necessary not least due to the continuing flow of emigrants.

Longer tem unemployment remains a massive and, as yet, intractable problem. Over 155,500 people have been out of work for over a year. Action must been taken to re-integrate this group into the workforce so they to can play a full role in society.

There must also be concern over the standard of jobs being created.

The latest CSO figures show a sharp increase in the numbers catergorised as self-employed. This figure may cover a wide range of workers, many in insecure employment and without the protections they need.

The trade union movement is clear that not only is it concerned with seeing people in work but also that their employment is both financially and psychologically rewarding. In the coming months, SIPTU will be refocusing on ensuring that these aims are advanced.