Foster Welcomes 0.8% Fall In Dole Queue

Unemployment is showing a marginal decrease with the latest data released today for the period January - March 2011 showing that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate decreased over the quarter to 7.2%.

More recent figures for April 2011 also show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 200 from the previous month's revised figure.

Commenting on the figures, NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: "The latest labour market indicators report a fall in the unemployment rate to 7.2%, down from 8.0% in the previous quarter.

"It is also encouraging to note that unemployment in Northern Ireland is below the UK rate of 7.7%.

"Any fall in the unemployment rate has to be welcomed. The number of redundancies over the past year is also just half of the preceding year's, again suggesting we are making progress in the face of the downturn," she said, optimistically.

The Minister continued: "Despite these signs of progress, I am conscious that we are nevertheless continuing to see an increase in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit. We cannot therefore take any gains for granted.

"There remains considerable work to be done to reverse the worse effects of the downturn and put Northern Ireland back on a sustainable road to recovery.

"I look forward to dedicating my second term as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment to continuing to lay the foundations for a successful, vibrant economy."

The DUP Minister also called for debate over as possible reduction in the rate of corporation tax in NI to make it more competitive.

"It is critical that we get the right level of incentives for both foreign and domestic businesses to accelerate economic growth.

"The consultation on corporation tax remains open until June 24 and I would urge all areas of the business community to make sure their voice is heard on this important issue," she said.

(BMcC)