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13/09/2006
High employment figures for Northern Ireland
Figures released today show Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, while the unemployment rate remains below the UK average.
Seasonally adjusted figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 698,120 employee jobs filled in June 2006, representing a net increase of 1,200 over the quarter and an increase of 4,730 over the year. The overall increase over the quarter was driven by a rise in Service Sector jobs (+1,410), however this increase was slightly offset by a fall in manufacturing jobs (-200).
The latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in NI is estimated at 4.4%. This figure has fallen from a rate of 4.9% for the previous quarter and is also down from a rate of 5.0% recorded for the same period last year. The latest NI rate is below the UK average (5.5%) and is also considerably lower than the EU25 rate (8.1%) for June 2006.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 27,600. This figure is unchanged from the previous month, but is down 600 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in NI (26.7%) has fallen from a figure of 27.4% for the previous quarter. However despite this fall, the NI rate remains significantly higher than the UK average (20.9%) and is the highest among the UK regions.
Commenting on the figures, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Maria Eagle said: "These figures represent positive news for Northern Ireland and provide evidence that the economy is moving in the right direction. The number of jobs in the region has risen to record levels and the unemployment rate remains below the UK average and is one of the lowest in Europe.
Eagle added: "By investing in the future and developing high value added products and services, our businesses will be able to ensure the continued growth of jobs in Northern Ireland."
The Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) is carried out by the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment (NIDETI). The QES has been carried out since September 1978 and was extended in December 1992 to include a full-time/part-time split.
(DS)
Seasonally adjusted figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 698,120 employee jobs filled in June 2006, representing a net increase of 1,200 over the quarter and an increase of 4,730 over the year. The overall increase over the quarter was driven by a rise in Service Sector jobs (+1,410), however this increase was slightly offset by a fall in manufacturing jobs (-200).
The latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in NI is estimated at 4.4%. This figure has fallen from a rate of 4.9% for the previous quarter and is also down from a rate of 5.0% recorded for the same period last year. The latest NI rate is below the UK average (5.5%) and is also considerably lower than the EU25 rate (8.1%) for June 2006.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 27,600. This figure is unchanged from the previous month, but is down 600 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in NI (26.7%) has fallen from a figure of 27.4% for the previous quarter. However despite this fall, the NI rate remains significantly higher than the UK average (20.9%) and is the highest among the UK regions.
Commenting on the figures, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Maria Eagle said: "These figures represent positive news for Northern Ireland and provide evidence that the economy is moving in the right direction. The number of jobs in the region has risen to record levels and the unemployment rate remains below the UK average and is one of the lowest in Europe.
Eagle added: "By investing in the future and developing high value added products and services, our businesses will be able to ensure the continued growth of jobs in Northern Ireland."
The Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) is carried out by the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment (NIDETI). The QES has been carried out since September 1978 and was extended in December 1992 to include a full-time/part-time split.
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be largely dry with patchy cloud and sunny spells through the day. Perhaps the odd shower in the north. Strong southwesterly winds, easing later. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear spells through this evening. Clouding over later in the night with rain arriving from the southwest during the early hours. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
