NI Unemployment Continues To Rise

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland has risen, according to the latest figures.

The Labour Force Survey (LFS) showed that, while the period August - October 2012 showed a decline of 0.4% on the 8.2% rate recorded in the previous quarter, the number is still up 0.8% from the 6.9% rate recorded one year ago.

The Northern Ireland unemployment rate is now 7.8%, the same as the UK average rate.

It is, however, lower than the European Union (10.6%) and Republic of Ireland (15.1%) rates for September 2012.

54.6% of those unemployed in Northern Ireland have been unemployed for one year or more. This figure shows a 16.2% increase on last year.

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stood at 64,700 in November 2012; an increase of 500 on the previous month.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "It is encouraging that the official measure of unemployment in Northern Ireland fell by 0.4% over the quarter, however it is disappointing that the number of people on the claimant count has continued to increase.

"It is positive to note the recent results from the Quarterly Employment Survey for June 2012 which show that the number of employee jobs have increased, albeit marginally, for the second quarter in a row for the first time since 2008. These results suggest that we may be starting to see some potential for growth in the Northern Ireland economy in the short-term, but it will be some time yet before we will know if this is sustainable."

The minister added: "My continued aim is to provide the support needed for businesses to navigate their way through the current difficult economic conditions. Improving competitiveness through a focus on export-led economic growth is the key to increasing employment and prosperity."

(IT)