It was 8:1 before the covid-19 outbreak.
There's now 68 people unemployed in the midlands for every available job, compared to just 8 before the covid-19 pandemic.
Even when the number of people on the pandemic unemployment payment aren't included, there's still 16 jobseekers for every opening.
A new Central Bank report says the hardest hit sectors have been those with a high dependence on physical interaction, such as accommodation, food services, retail and construction.
It says covid-19's impact was felt greatest in areas where hospitality and tourism are particularly important.
Mark Cassidy, The Central Bank's Director of Economics and Statistics, says cities were not hit as hard:
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