NI Unemployment Creeps-Up Slightly

Unemployment in Northern Ireland crept-up slightly last month, government figures have revealed today.

Despite this, job losses in the province remain below the UK average.

Over 1,100 more people claimed benefits last month compared to September, bringing the total number of claimants to 30,300.

In September an extra 1,200 people signed on, making it the largest monthly increase in over twenty years.

Around 65% of job losses incurred in October were in the construction trade.

Estimated unemployment figures in Northern Ireland now match those seen in June 2004.

Around 788,000 people are estimated to be in employment in Northern Ireland, 0.1% down over the last quarter, but 0.7% up for the year.

Last month 805 redundancies were confirmed, the highest monthly level since 2000.

The latest figures factor in substantial job losses at firm such as Limavady-based Seagate.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "It is clear that we are continuing to experience the fall-out from the slowdown in the construction industry, with nearly two-thirds of this month's increase in unemployment benefit claimants relating to people usually employed in that sector.

"However, it is important to keep this in perspective," Ms Foster urged.

"Overall, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits is still relatively low in historical terms and we are not alone in feeling the effects of the downturn in the global economy. Our latest unemployment rate remained well below the European Union average and was lowest among the UK regions."

The Minister suggested figures could get worse before they get better, but refused to exacerbate the situation.

"Even in the context of difficult economic conditions, there is still scope for high value added businesses to find a niche for their products and services," added Ms Foster.

(JM)