15/08/2012
Northern Ireland Unemployment On The Increase
Unemployment figures have increased again in Northern Ireland.
The percentage of unemployed people increased by nine percentage points to 7.6% here between April and June, but still stayed neatly below the UK-wide figure of 8% unemployment.
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in July was 63,200, an increase of 400.
This figure was the second highest among the 12 UK regions.
Enterprise minister Arlene Foster said it was time to tackle unemployment with a "renewed and robust strategy".
She said: "This year the Eurozone continues to face a very challenging economic climate and the level of growth in the global economy has been disappointing.
"Last month the UK also reported three consecutive quarters of falling output. We therefore need to place the latest unemployment figures in this wider context of weak external demand."
The Minister continued: "I believe there are many opportunities available for local businesses. That is why I have asked Invest NI to work with the wider business base in Northern Ireland and redouble our efforts to boost employment through initiatives such as Boosting Business and the Jobs fund. I would encourage local businesses looking to grow and create jobs to contact Invest NI on 0800 181 4422 for advice on what support might be available.
"There are many opportunities remain to be exploited in overseas markets, which has been clearly demonstrated by Wrightbus this week after it secured a £40million deal in Singapore. We need more local businesses to follow this path."
(NE)
The percentage of unemployed people increased by nine percentage points to 7.6% here between April and June, but still stayed neatly below the UK-wide figure of 8% unemployment.
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in July was 63,200, an increase of 400.
This figure was the second highest among the 12 UK regions.
Enterprise minister Arlene Foster said it was time to tackle unemployment with a "renewed and robust strategy".
She said: "This year the Eurozone continues to face a very challenging economic climate and the level of growth in the global economy has been disappointing.
"Last month the UK also reported three consecutive quarters of falling output. We therefore need to place the latest unemployment figures in this wider context of weak external demand."
The Minister continued: "I believe there are many opportunities available for local businesses. That is why I have asked Invest NI to work with the wider business base in Northern Ireland and redouble our efforts to boost employment through initiatives such as Boosting Business and the Jobs fund. I would encourage local businesses looking to grow and create jobs to contact Invest NI on 0800 181 4422 for advice on what support might be available.
"There are many opportunities remain to be exploited in overseas markets, which has been clearly demonstrated by Wrightbus this week after it secured a £40million deal in Singapore. We need more local businesses to follow this path."
(NE)
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