''In all reality it could even go higher than that.''
The Irish labour market is set for 'one of the largest one-quarter shocks in living memory', according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
The research institute believes unemployment will rise to 18 per cent by the end of June - as over 350,000 people lose their jobs.
They're forecasting the economy to shrink by 7.1 per cent by the end of the year, should Government measures stay in place for 12 weeks.
Kieran McQuinn, Research Professor with the ESRI said it's a shock of unprecedented measures.
''What we think will happen as a result of the measures that've had to be taken is that unemployment will rise to the level of 18% in Q2 [Quarter two].
''And in all reality it could even go higher than that.''
Dáil to approve bill of measures to help tackle the Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the Dáil will sit at 11am to approve the omnibus bill of measures to tackle the Coronavirus.
It’s expected a reduced number of TDs will meet for around 12 hours to approve the legislation.
The bill includes a 3.7 billion euro social welfare package to support people who have lost their jobs because of the virus.
While measures to temporarily ban rent increases and evictions will also be approved.
