Employment growth continues in Northern Ireland

The latest employment figures have revealed that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, while the unemployment rate remains below the UK average.

New jobs in the construction industry and the service sector have also driven the overall increase, while manufacturing jobs remain static.

Service sector jobs were up by 2,440 and construction by 300 – accounting for almost all of the rise of 2,8100 in the last quarter.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Northern Ireland was 4.3% for the period November – January 2007.

This estimate is marginally lower than the rate recorded for the previous quarter (4.6%), but higher than the rate for the previous year (4.1%).

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 25,8000, a decrease of 300 from the previous month and an overall decrease of 2,500 over the year.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister, Maria Eagle said: "Northern Ireland is continuing to experience record levels of jobs and unemployment is being maintained at a historically low level."

She continued: "This is a good foundation for a restored Assembly to build on and ensure long term growth could be sustained.

"Local ministers can help create an environment that increases productivity and competitiveness and fully utilises the skills base available in the region."

(JM/SP)