Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, while the unemployment rate is at its lowest ever level, according to the latest figures.

Seasonally adjusted figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 718,190 employee jobs filled in June 2007, representing a net increase of 5,120 over the quarter and an increase of 12,240 over the year. The overall increase in the quarter was driven by rises in service sector jobs which saw 3,550 posts created, while manufacturing jobs were up by 820 and construction jobs, up by 750.

Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds said: "These figures represent positive news for the Northern Ireland labour market. The number of jobs in the region has once again risen to its highest ever level and unemployment is at a record low. Our unemployment rate is now the lowest of the UK regions and is one of the lowest in Europe.

“It is also very encouraging to note the strong growth of the Northern Ireland private sector, which increased by some 11,300 jobs during the last year. This increase represents over 90% of the overall annual growth in jobs and was driven by a strong performance in the private services sector.

“However, there is still much potential for private sector services, and our labour market in general, to grow. I will continue to work with the business world and all the relevant stakeholders in the Northern Ireland economy to create the conditions needed for continued labour market growth. We aim to develop high value-added, quality jobs that will encourage increased labour market participation and a reduction in economic inactivity levels in Northern Ireland.”

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Northern Ireland was 3.4% for the period May - July 2007; the lowest figure on record. This latest estimate represents a fall from the rate of 4.3%, which was recorded in both the previous quarter and in the same period one year ago. The Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains below the UK average (5.4%) and is the lowest of all the UK regions. It is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (6.9%) for June 2007.

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 23,300. This shows a decrease of 300 from the previous month and is down 4,200 over the year.

The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (27.1%) has increased from a figure of 25.5% for the previous quarter. The Northern Ireland rate (27.1%) remains significantly higher than the UK average (21.2%) and it continues to be the highest of all the UK regions.

(SP/KMcA)