NI's Dole Queue Figure Rises

There has been a rise in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in NI, but some statistics are confusing.

The Labour Force Survey shows the jobless figure fell over the past three months, while another figure, based on the number of people actually signing on the dole, shows another 400 joined the dole queue in May.

Either way, the total number of people now claiming benefits is 59,500.

Figures released today for the period February - April 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate decreased over the quarter to 7.2%.

More recent figures for April 2011 show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 400 from the previous month's revised figure.

The total number of employee jobs (not including the self-employed) in Northern Ireland was estimated at 703,860 for March 2011, representing a rise of 590 over the quarter.

Commenting on the figures, Stormont Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: "It is encouraging to note the rise in jobs during the first quarter of 2011. This increase was driven by a rise in opportunities within the Service Sector.

"It is also pleasing to note the fall in the unemployment rate during the latest quarter. The Northern Ireland rate (7.2%) remains below the UK rate of 7.7% and compares favourably to the rates in the Republic of Ireland (14.7%) and European Union (9.5%)."

The DUP Executive Minister continued: "I am also very much aware that the number of people claiming unemployment benefit continues to edge upwards and that overall employment levels remain well below their pre-recession levels.

"It is therefore imperative that we continue to make progress to ensure that Northern Ireland is put well and truly back onto a sustainable road to recovery," she said today.

Taxing Time

The Minister also again urged support for the devolution of corporation tax to the Executive and said: "Lowering the rate of corporation tax in Northern Ireland could be the stimulus needed to sufficiently strengthen the private sector and create the necessary employment growth.

"However, such a move would involve the Executive having to make difficult decisions on what is a very complex issue that will impact on us all.

"I would therefore urge all interested stakeholders to make their voice heard by responding to the consultation before its close on the 1st July," she said.

Meanwhile as the inaugural meeting of a new Development Committee of Belfast City Council took place today - which will discuss its £20m plan of action for the coming year - the Balmoral Sinn Fein Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said it was urgent that City Hall adopt strategies and actions which will impact on "this crippling recession".

He said: "The scale, intensity and duration of this recession call for focused, radical and bold steps by Council to create jobs and build the new Belfast.

"We have many troubled thoroughfares in Belfast - including parts of the Lisburn Road - where merchants suffering a downturn in business are struggling with onerous rates bills.

"We need to identify ways to occupy closed units, replace dilapidated buildings, provide rates relief and boost business throughput.

"Backing traders' associations and supporting our arts and culture organisations are just some of the economic actions which council needs to adopt," the well-known journalist-turned politician said.

"We also need new, dynamic models of economic regeneration which embrace all the quarters of the city - primarily Titanic, Cathedral and Gaeltacht - in unison and leverage our wonderful natural assets such as the Lagan River and towpath.

"Over recent weeks, with my Council colleagues, I have been listening to the small business owners who are the backbone of this city and the providers of the bulk of our rate base, call for actions which will help them build a prosperous city with opportunities for all. Now it's time for the Council to start to deliver."

See: Corporation Tax Review Extended By NIO

(BMcC/GK)