15/08/2013

Further Decrease In Unemployment Rate

Figures released for the period April - July 2013 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate decreased by 0.7 percentage points over the quarter to 7.5%.

More recent figures for July 2013 show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants decreased by 500 over the month.

There has been a fall of 2,500 in the claimant figures over the last 6 months.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The decrease in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate to below that of the UK (7.8%) is welcome. This also compares favourably to the equivalent rates in the European Union (11.0%) and Republic of Ireland (13.6%).

"The more recent unemployment benefit figures for July continue to show encouraging signs as this is the sixth consecutive monthly decrease, the first time this level of sustained decrease has occurred for nearly six years.

"The labour market figures reported today reflect Northern Ireland's strengthening economic position. The recent UK Trade and Investment report highlighted NI as one of the most successful regions within the UK, for inward investment.

"Our strategy aims to continue to develop high value-added, quality jobs as well as encouraging investment to further demonstrate that Northern Ireland is a great place to do business."

(CD/JP)

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