Benefits Numbers Drop By 300

The number of claimants in receipt of unemployment related benefits decreased by 300 last month, contributing to a total fall of 9,400 over the last 12 months.

Figures also released for June - August 2014 show that the Northern Ireland Labour Force Survey unemployment rate was 6.1%, a decrease of 0.5% over the quarter and 1.2% over the year.

The Department of Enterprise has just released the latest 'Labour Market and Economic Output Figures'.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "The decrease in the unemployment rate, alongside the continued decrease in the Northern Ireland claimant count is encouraging. The number of claimants has fallen in each of the last 21 months, which is the most sustained decrease since June 1995."

Results of the NI Composite Economic Index for the second quarter of 2014 were also published today, indicating that economic activity increased by 0.3% over the quarter in real terms. The Index increased by 1.2% over the year.

Minister Foster added: "The quarterly measure of Northern Ireland’s economic activity also shows evidence of growth in real terms over both the quarter and the year up to Quarter 2.

"Since the start of 2014 Invest Northern Ireland has announced over 1,250 new jobs from 11 new inward investors. It is the success of both our local companies and the decisions by global corporations to base themselves here that are continuing to drive Northern Ireland’s economic growth."

(IT/MH)