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18/07/2007
Dodds Welcomes 'Low' NI Unemployment Rate
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average and service sector output levels have increased over the last year.
Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds welcoming the figures said: "These figures highlight the strengthening of the Northern Ireland labour market over recent years. Employment levels continue to rise while unemployment levels are consistently low. The Northern Ireland unemployment rate has remained below the 5.0% mark for over two years and the current rate is the second lowest among the UK regions."
The NI seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% for the period March to May 2007. This represents a slight fall from the rates of 4.6% and 4.5%, on the previous quarter and previous year respectively.
The NI rate remains below the UK average (5.4%) and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (7.1%) for April 2007.
Seasonally adjusted figures for the same period estimate that there were 786,000 people in employment in NI. The new figures represent an estimated increase of 2.4% in employment levels over the quarter and an increase of 3.4% over the year.
Mr Dodds said: "Northern Ireland companies continue to operate in fiercely competitive markets and our manufacturing sector in particular has been subject to the effects of low cost overseas competition.
"It is encouraging to note that this is the fourteenth consecutive quarter in which the Index of Services has shown an annual increase and growth is broadly in line with the UK as a whole over the last four quarters.
"Northern Ireland businesses need to stay ahead of the competition and maintain this growth by seeking ways of improving the quality of their products and services. I would urge businesses to invest in R&D and innovation, to seize business opportunities as they arise and to become more focussed on export markets."
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits at 24,400 is a decrease of 500 from the previous month and is down 3,500 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland 25.8% has fallen from a figure of 26.9% recorded for the previous quarter. However, the Northern Ireland rate remains significantly higher than the UK average 21.2% and is the highest among the UK regions.
Production output in Northern Ireland decreased by 1.4% over the quarter, representing a decrease of 2.2% on the year.
(SP/KMcA)
Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds welcoming the figures said: "These figures highlight the strengthening of the Northern Ireland labour market over recent years. Employment levels continue to rise while unemployment levels are consistently low. The Northern Ireland unemployment rate has remained below the 5.0% mark for over two years and the current rate is the second lowest among the UK regions."
The NI seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% for the period March to May 2007. This represents a slight fall from the rates of 4.6% and 4.5%, on the previous quarter and previous year respectively.
The NI rate remains below the UK average (5.4%) and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (7.1%) for April 2007.
Seasonally adjusted figures for the same period estimate that there were 786,000 people in employment in NI. The new figures represent an estimated increase of 2.4% in employment levels over the quarter and an increase of 3.4% over the year.
Mr Dodds said: "Northern Ireland companies continue to operate in fiercely competitive markets and our manufacturing sector in particular has been subject to the effects of low cost overseas competition.
"It is encouraging to note that this is the fourteenth consecutive quarter in which the Index of Services has shown an annual increase and growth is broadly in line with the UK as a whole over the last four quarters.
"Northern Ireland businesses need to stay ahead of the competition and maintain this growth by seeking ways of improving the quality of their products and services. I would urge businesses to invest in R&D and innovation, to seize business opportunities as they arise and to become more focussed on export markets."
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits at 24,400 is a decrease of 500 from the previous month and is down 3,500 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland 25.8% has fallen from a figure of 26.9% recorded for the previous quarter. However, the Northern Ireland rate remains significantly higher than the UK average 21.2% and is the highest among the UK regions.
Production output in Northern Ireland decreased by 1.4% over the quarter, representing a decrease of 2.2% on the year.
(SP/KMcA)
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13 February 2008
Unemployment Up - But More People Are Working
Although still under the UK average, unemployment in Northern Ireland has gone up again. The numbers of people who are deemed 'economic inactive' has also continued to rise. However, on the plus side, the numbers actually in work rose again by 1,000 to 781,000 over the quarter and 9,000 on the year.
Unemployment Up - But More People Are Working
Although still under the UK average, unemployment in Northern Ireland has gone up again. The numbers of people who are deemed 'economic inactive' has also continued to rise. However, on the plus side, the numbers actually in work rose again by 1,000 to 781,000 over the quarter and 9,000 on the year.
17 August 2011
Still More Signing On Dole In NI
Unemployment remains on an upward trend, according to new statistics just issued. The figures released today for the period April - June 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate increased over the quarter to 7.3%.
Still More Signing On Dole In NI
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12 December 2007
NI Employment Levels Hit Record High
Christmas may be the time to be merry, but it looks like there is reason to celebrate well in to 2008 as figures just released have shown that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record – with many more people working in both the building and construction world, as well as in the service sector.
NI Employment Levels Hit Record High
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14 June 2006
Minister Welcomes Increase In NI Jobs
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, Maria Eagle has today welcomed the continuing growth in Northern Ireland jobs figures. The figures, which were released today, show that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, and the unemployment rate remains below the UK average.
Minister Welcomes Increase In NI Jobs
Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, Maria Eagle has today welcomed the continuing growth in Northern Ireland jobs figures. The figures, which were released today, show that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, and the unemployment rate remains below the UK average.
15 October 2008
Construction Job Losses Hit NI Unemployment
A step decline in the housing market and the associated construction industry is having an impact on Northern Ireland's levels of unemployment. The construction industry accounted for approximately 60% of the September increase.
Construction Job Losses Hit NI Unemployment
A step decline in the housing market and the associated construction industry is having an impact on Northern Ireland's levels of unemployment. The construction industry accounted for approximately 60% of the September increase.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
