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18/03/2009
Faltering Construction Trade Hits Mid Ulster Jobs
A new analysis of the recession has highlighted a part of Northern Ireland as being among the hardest hit areas of the UK.
The survey, by BBC Radio 4's World at One programme reveals the local authority areas suffering the biggest jobs' downturn.
The three highest percentage rises are in the same parts of Northern Ireland - Magherafelt, Dungannon and Cookstown - all in Mid Ulster.
"These three areas have had relatively low levels of unemployment so the sharp rise in unemployment is coming from a very low base," said Richard Ramsey, Northern Ireland economist at Ulster Bank.
"If you look at the Magherafelt and Cookstown areas in particular, they have a large exposure to the construction sector and Northern Ireland as a whole has a larger exposure to the construction sector than any other UK region," he said.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Ramsey said: "Within Northern Ireland it's these areas in Mid Ulster that have the highest concentrations of construction. So given the housing market downturn, it is not surprising that these areas have been hit hardest."
The figures examine the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in January compared with the level in January 2008.
Topping the poll is Magherafelt at 186%, followed by Dungannon at 161% and Cookstown at 149%.
The BBC used figures from the Office for National Statistics, Northern Ireland and the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment.
See: Unemployment Set To Break Two Million Mark
(BMcC/JM)
The survey, by BBC Radio 4's World at One programme reveals the local authority areas suffering the biggest jobs' downturn.
The three highest percentage rises are in the same parts of Northern Ireland - Magherafelt, Dungannon and Cookstown - all in Mid Ulster.
"These three areas have had relatively low levels of unemployment so the sharp rise in unemployment is coming from a very low base," said Richard Ramsey, Northern Ireland economist at Ulster Bank.
"If you look at the Magherafelt and Cookstown areas in particular, they have a large exposure to the construction sector and Northern Ireland as a whole has a larger exposure to the construction sector than any other UK region," he said.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Ramsey said: "Within Northern Ireland it's these areas in Mid Ulster that have the highest concentrations of construction. So given the housing market downturn, it is not surprising that these areas have been hit hardest."
The figures examine the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in January compared with the level in January 2008.
Topping the poll is Magherafelt at 186%, followed by Dungannon at 161% and Cookstown at 149%.
The BBC used figures from the Office for National Statistics, Northern Ireland and the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment.
See: Unemployment Set To Break Two Million Mark
(BMcC/JM)
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15 May 2002
Construction conference visits Northern Ireland
As part of an ongoing programme of information conferences, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is holding its first ever event in Northern Ireland. The half-day conference - which is being organised jointly with the Northern Ireland Timber Trade Association (NITTA) - will be held on Thursday 23 May at the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown.
Construction conference visits Northern Ireland
As part of an ongoing programme of information conferences, the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is holding its first ever event in Northern Ireland. The half-day conference - which is being organised jointly with the Northern Ireland Timber Trade Association (NITTA) - will be held on Thursday 23 May at the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown.
23 August 2001
Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin published
The Statistics and Research Agency has published the latest edition of the Northern Ireland Construction Bulletin.
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16 January 2002
Northern Ireland sees rise in unemployment
While the number of people without work in the UK has risen by 15,000 in the last three months, Northern Ireland has seen a more modest increase in unemployment - by only 0.3 per cent on the previous quarter. In addition, the increase in benefit claimants was lower than had been expected both nationally and locally.
Northern Ireland sees rise in unemployment
While the number of people without work in the UK has risen by 15,000 in the last three months, Northern Ireland has seen a more modest increase in unemployment - by only 0.3 per cent on the previous quarter. In addition, the increase in benefit claimants was lower than had been expected both nationally and locally.
16 July 2019
BCC Offers Tendering Support For Local Firms
Belfast City Council is offering local businesses and social enterprises the opportunity to enhance their tendering and procurement performance through a free programme.
BCC Offers Tendering Support For Local Firms
Belfast City Council is offering local businesses and social enterprises the opportunity to enhance their tendering and procurement performance through a free programme.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
