19/05/2011
Foster Welcomes 0.8% Fall In Dole Queue
Unemployment is showing a marginal decrease with the latest data released today for the period January - March 2011 showing that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate decreased over the quarter to 7.2%.
More recent figures for April 2011 also show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 200 from the previous month's revised figure.
Commenting on the figures, NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: "The latest labour market indicators report a fall in the unemployment rate to 7.2%, down from 8.0% in the previous quarter.
"It is also encouraging to note that unemployment in Northern Ireland is below the UK rate of 7.7%.
"Any fall in the unemployment rate has to be welcomed. The number of redundancies over the past year is also just half of the preceding year's, again suggesting we are making progress in the face of the downturn," she said, optimistically.
The Minister continued: "Despite these signs of progress, I am conscious that we are nevertheless continuing to see an increase in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit. We cannot therefore take any gains for granted.
"There remains considerable work to be done to reverse the worse effects of the downturn and put Northern Ireland back on a sustainable road to recovery.
"I look forward to dedicating my second term as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to continuing to lay the foundations for a successful, vibrant economy."
The DUP Minister also called for debate over as possible reduction in the rate of corporation tax in NI to make it more competitive.
"It is critical that we get the right level of incentives for both foreign and domestic businesses to accelerate economic growth.
"The consultation on corporation tax remains open until June 24 and I would urge all areas of the business community to make sure their voice is heard on this important issue," she said.
(BMcC)
More recent figures for April 2011 also show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 200 from the previous month's revised figure.
Commenting on the figures, NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: "The latest labour market indicators report a fall in the unemployment rate to 7.2%, down from 8.0% in the previous quarter.
"It is also encouraging to note that unemployment in Northern Ireland is below the UK rate of 7.7%.
"Any fall in the unemployment rate has to be welcomed. The number of redundancies over the past year is also just half of the preceding year's, again suggesting we are making progress in the face of the downturn," she said, optimistically.
The Minister continued: "Despite these signs of progress, I am conscious that we are nevertheless continuing to see an increase in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit. We cannot therefore take any gains for granted.
"There remains considerable work to be done to reverse the worse effects of the downturn and put Northern Ireland back on a sustainable road to recovery.
"I look forward to dedicating my second term as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to continuing to lay the foundations for a successful, vibrant economy."
The DUP Minister also called for debate over as possible reduction in the rate of corporation tax in NI to make it more competitive.
"It is critical that we get the right level of incentives for both foreign and domestic businesses to accelerate economic growth.
"The consultation on corporation tax remains open until June 24 and I would urge all areas of the business community to make sure their voice is heard on this important issue," she said.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 March 2006
NI employment remains at low level
Figures released today have revealed that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record and an unemployment rate equal to its lowest ever level. Statistics from the Quarterly Employment Survey have shown that the unemployment rate from the period of November 2005 until January 2006 had dropped to 4%.
NI employment remains at low level
Figures released today have revealed that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record and an unemployment rate equal to its lowest ever level. Statistics from the Quarterly Employment Survey have shown that the unemployment rate from the period of November 2005 until January 2006 had dropped to 4%.
18 April 2007
Northern Ireland's Unemployment Rate Remains Low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average with output levels for manufacturing and services showing a larger annual increase than the UK. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the period December - February 2007. This is slightly higher than the rates of 4.2% and 4.
Northern Ireland's Unemployment Rate Remains Low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average with output levels for manufacturing and services showing a larger annual increase than the UK. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the period December - February 2007. This is slightly higher than the rates of 4.2% and 4.
14 November 2012
NI Unemployment Rate Remains Unchanged
Figures released today for the period July - September 2012 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate remained unchanged over the quarter at 7.6%. More recent figures for October 2012 show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 600 from the previous month's revised figure.
NI Unemployment Rate Remains Unchanged
Figures released today for the period July - September 2012 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate remained unchanged over the quarter at 7.6%. More recent figures for October 2012 show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 600 from the previous month's revised figure.
19 January 2011
More NI People Joining Dole Queue
There are now more people on the Dole in Northern Ireland with figures released today showing that the unemployment rate increased to reach 7.8%. This is according to the statistics recorded over the quarter, September - November 2010, backed-up by more recent figures for December 2010.
More NI People Joining Dole Queue
There are now more people on the Dole in Northern Ireland with figures released today showing that the unemployment rate increased to reach 7.8%. This is according to the statistics recorded over the quarter, September - November 2010, backed-up by more recent figures for December 2010.
16 June 2004
NI jobs growth continues
Employment figures released today show that Northern Ireland is continuing to experience jobs growth, with businesses reporting the highest number of employee jobs on record.
NI jobs growth continues
Employment figures released today show that Northern Ireland is continuing to experience jobs growth, with businesses reporting the highest number of employee jobs on record.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.