16/10/2018

Other News In Brief

Northern Ireland Unemployment Rate Rises

The rate of unemployment in Northern Ireland has risen to 4.3%, taking it above the UK average for the first time in more than a year.

According to the new figures, the UK rate is 4%, the joint lowest on record.

Despite the rise in Northern Ireland's rate, it remains lower than the European Union (6.8%) and the Republic of Ireland's rate (5.9%).

The number of people claiming jobless-related benefits in Northern Ireland stood at 28,100 in September.

The new unemployment figures were released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NIRSA).

The increase in unemployment corresponds to other rates, such as the employment rate which dropped to 69.2%, the lowest of any region in the UK.

Economic inactivity remains unchanged at 27.5%.

Young Belfast Model Died Suddenly At Home

A 21-year-old up-and-coming model from Belfast has died suddenly, causing shock throughout the modelling industry.

Mairead O'Neill had recently graduated from university and was seen by thousands modelling in Belfast Fashion Week, as well as at the latest Carl Frampton fight in Belfast.

She was working for CMPR Models in Belfast and is said to have been one of Northern Ireland's most promising young females in the industry.

Emergency services were unable to save Mairead, who was from the Market Area of Belfast, and she was pronounced dead on Monday night.

Cathy Martin of CMPR Models paid tribute to Mairead on social media and said she was "devastated to hear of her passing".

It is understood that her mother recently passed away as a result of bowel cancer.

Danish Homeware Store To Open In Bangor

A Scandinavian home furnishing store Sostrene Green is set to open a Bangor store before the end of next month.

The new branch, opening on Main Street, will create 10 new jobs for the area.

The company sells aesthetic Danish designs, and the new branch will be the third store to open in Northern Ireland.

Sostrene Green has 220 stores in 16 countries, with major expansion in recent years. It has branches already open across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

The company says its stores are "designed to give customers a break from their busy lives, as they search the shelves for new and exciting finds".

A range of homeware products will be available within the new store, including interiors, small furniture, kitchen supplies, craft and DIY-articles.



(JG)


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