17/08/2016

Fall In Unemployment Benefit Claimants 'Encouraging'

The number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits has dropped by 600, according to new statistics.

The unemployment rate fell to 6.0% however it still remains higher than the UK average, which stands at 4.9%.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said: "I am encouraged to see almost 7,000 fewer people on the unemployment register compared to one year ago.

"The unemployment rate is also continuing to head in the right direction and comparing very favourably to the European Union average of 8.6%.

"We will continue to work hard to build on this progress as we seek to achieve our aim of building a globally competitive economy."

(CD/JP)

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