THE number of people on the live register in the Mid West region dropped by 4.6 per cent in 2012, the largest percentage annual decrease in the country.
According to the latest Central Statistics Office figures, there are now 36,528 people signing on in the region, down from 38,277 at the end of 2011.
In the Mid West there are currently 13,564 women and 22,964 men on the Live Register, with 5,790 of these aged under 25.
Nationally, the number of people signing on fell by 1,400 in December 2012, with a total of 430,900 people on the Live Register.
Overall, Ireland saw a drop of 2.5 per cent, or 11,051 people claiming Jobseekers benefits in 2012.
According to the CSO, the figures show that unemployment levels may have stabilised.
A statement from the office said: “While the trend in the overall Live Register continues to be one of movement within a small range, annual decreases were recorded in all months of 2012.”
The only region to see an annual increase in Live Register numbers was the Midlands with 0.2 per cent.