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22/01/2014
NI Unemployment Falls
Unemployment in Northern Ireland continues to fall, according to the latest Labour Force Survey.
The unemployment rate was estimated at 7.3% for the period September - November 2013.
This is unchanged from the rate recorded in the previous quarter, but is down 0.6% from the rate recorded one year ago.
However, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate was still above the UK average rate (7.1%), which is down 0.5% over the quarter and 0.6% over the year.
The NI rate was lower than the European Union (10.9%) and Republic of Ireland (12.6%) rates for October 2013.
Estimates for September - November 2013 show that 51.1% of those unemployed in Northern Ireland have been unemployed for one year or more.
This is down 4.7% from one year ago. Unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds was 22.5% - up 3.4% over the year.
During August - October 2013, the NI unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds stood at 23.8%, compared to the UK average rate of 19.1%.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stood at 59,500 in December 2013 – down 600 from the revised figure for the previous month.
This is the eleventh consecutive month in which there has been a fall in this measure of unemployment.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "While the unemployment rate remains unchanged this quarter, the number of unemployment benefit claimants has fallen for the 11th consecutive month.
"We have consistently been seeing positive signs of growth in the local economy from a range of economic data, including from recent research by the Danske Bank which suggested that consumer confidence locally is now at a record high."
"Undoubtedly this increase in consumer sentiment is linked to the wider improvement seen across the economy, with many people in employment now less apprehensive about their financial future. Initiatives such as Invest Northern Ireland’s Jobs Fund have been instrumental in helping local companies to create job opportunities quickly and get people into employment."
(IT/CD)
The unemployment rate was estimated at 7.3% for the period September - November 2013.
This is unchanged from the rate recorded in the previous quarter, but is down 0.6% from the rate recorded one year ago.
However, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate was still above the UK average rate (7.1%), which is down 0.5% over the quarter and 0.6% over the year.
The NI rate was lower than the European Union (10.9%) and Republic of Ireland (12.6%) rates for October 2013.
Estimates for September - November 2013 show that 51.1% of those unemployed in Northern Ireland have been unemployed for one year or more.
This is down 4.7% from one year ago. Unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds was 22.5% - up 3.4% over the year.
During August - October 2013, the NI unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds stood at 23.8%, compared to the UK average rate of 19.1%.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stood at 59,500 in December 2013 – down 600 from the revised figure for the previous month.
This is the eleventh consecutive month in which there has been a fall in this measure of unemployment.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "While the unemployment rate remains unchanged this quarter, the number of unemployment benefit claimants has fallen for the 11th consecutive month.
"We have consistently been seeing positive signs of growth in the local economy from a range of economic data, including from recent research by the Danske Bank which suggested that consumer confidence locally is now at a record high."
"Undoubtedly this increase in consumer sentiment is linked to the wider improvement seen across the economy, with many people in employment now less apprehensive about their financial future. Initiatives such as Invest Northern Ireland’s Jobs Fund have been instrumental in helping local companies to create job opportunities quickly and get people into employment."
(IT/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day with some bright or sunny spells, though high cloud will turn the sun hazy at times. A warm day with light winds. Maximum temperature 19 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with some pleasant late sunshine. Then staying dry overnight with some clear intervals, and some high cloud. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
