Foster Shows Concern Over Unemployment Figures

Arlene Foster has expressed concern over new figures which show a rise in unemployment in Northern Ireland.

Statistics released today for the quarter June - August 2012 show the rate of unemployment was up 1.2 percentage points.

Figures also show that in September the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 200 when compared to August.

The Enterprise Minister said: "The increase in the unemployment rate and the claimant count is, as always, disappointing. It continues to highlight the challenges faced by the Northern Ireland labour market."

Results from the Index of Services reported a fall of 1% in output for Northern Ireland during the quarter. Results from the Index of Production showed a 5% fall.

But over the year, the NI production sector still continued to perform better than the UK.

Minister Foster continued: "Northern Ireland is a small open economy and we cannot expect to remain unaffected by the continued uncertainty in markets around the world. In the face of these challenges, it is important that local businesses continue to look for export opportunities in the wider global economy."

She added: "Next month Invest Northern Ireland is leading a trade mission to China and the Hong Kong area with almost 30 companies participating. A further 15 Northern Ireland companies will be visiting the Food Hotel China exhibition in Shanghai to showcase the high quality of our local food industry products.

"I am also ensuring that support is provided directly to existing local businesses and to those developing new businesses. Through Invest NI’s Regional Start Initiative, delivered by Enterprise Northern Ireland, up to 5,000 business starts will be supported in the next two years. By supporting the entrepreneurial skills of these new firms with specialist advice we are continuing to support the private sector economy."

(IT)