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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 BBC Radio 4 World at One programme revealed 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 BBC Radio 4 World at One programme revealed 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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08 January 2013
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09 March 2020
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22 September 2009
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06 February 2017
Met Office Issues Warning For Wind Across NI
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind across Northern Ireland on Monday, 06 February. The warning has been put in place from 11am until 10pm. Gusts of up to 50-60mph are expected throughout NI and power interruptions are also possible.
Met Office Issues Warning For Wind Across NI
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind across Northern Ireland on Monday, 06 February. The warning has been put in place from 11am until 10pm. Gusts of up to 50-60mph are expected throughout NI and power interruptions are also possible.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a mainly dry and bright morning cloud will increase as the wind strengthens from early afternoon with showers spreading east later. The strong afternoon wind will reach gale to severe gale force along the coasts. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Showers die back to western parts from the evening, leaving much of the night dry with clear spells. Showers spread east again towards morning. Gales ease somewhat, a windy night. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
