14/05/2008
NI Employment Levels Up
Despite growing concerns over falling property values, higher food costs and a dip in the number of construction projects being commissioned, some 787,000 people are in employment in Northern Ireland.
The new figures relate to the first quarter of 2008 - and represent an estimated increase of 0.4% in employment levels over both the quarter and the year.
Ironically though, the latest figures also show an increase in both employment and in unemployment levels, but with the unemployment rate remaining below the UK average.
The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the period January - March 2008.
This represents a rise from the rate of 4.2% recorded last quarter and it is also up from the rate of 4.1% recorded in the same period one year ago.
However, the latest Northern Ireland rate remains below the UK average (5.2%) and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (6.7%) for February 2008.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 24,500. This shows an increase of 400 from the previous month, but is down 600 over the year.
On the negative side, the working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (26.9%) was essentially unchanged from the figure of 27.0% recorded for the previous quarter.
The Northern Ireland rate (26.9%) continues to be significantly higher than the UK average (20.9%) and is the highest among the UK regions - an issue that has been highligted in the past as a cause of concern.
Commenting on the figures, NI Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds said: "While there has been a slight rise in the recent unemployment levels it is still encouraging to note that our rate remains below both the UK and European averages.
"When combined with the news that Northern Ireland employment levels have increased, it highlights the resilience being shown by our economy.
"I will continue to work with all the relevant stakeholders to promote private sector development and to strengthen the conditions needed for economic growth.
"Our aim is to develop Northern Ireland into one of the most competitive and successful areas in Europe and the positive feedback following the recent US-NI Investment Conference suggest that we are moving in the right direction," he concluded.
(BMcC)
The new figures relate to the first quarter of 2008 - and represent an estimated increase of 0.4% in employment levels over both the quarter and the year.
Ironically though, the latest figures also show an increase in both employment and in unemployment levels, but with the unemployment rate remaining below the UK average.
The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the period January - March 2008.
This represents a rise from the rate of 4.2% recorded last quarter and it is also up from the rate of 4.1% recorded in the same period one year ago.
However, the latest Northern Ireland rate remains below the UK average (5.2%) and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (6.7%) for February 2008.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 24,500. This shows an increase of 400 from the previous month, but is down 600 over the year.
On the negative side, the working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (26.9%) was essentially unchanged from the figure of 27.0% recorded for the previous quarter.
The Northern Ireland rate (26.9%) continues to be significantly higher than the UK average (20.9%) and is the highest among the UK regions - an issue that has been highligted in the past as a cause of concern.
Commenting on the figures, NI Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds said: "While there has been a slight rise in the recent unemployment levels it is still encouraging to note that our rate remains below both the UK and European averages.
"When combined with the news that Northern Ireland employment levels have increased, it highlights the resilience being shown by our economy.
"I will continue to work with all the relevant stakeholders to promote private sector development and to strengthen the conditions needed for economic growth.
"Our aim is to develop Northern Ireland into one of the most competitive and successful areas in Europe and the positive feedback following the recent US-NI Investment Conference suggest that we are moving in the right direction," he concluded.
(BMcC)
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The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland has dropped, according to new figures. The unemployment rate was 5.9% between March and May this year, a decrease of 0.4% over the year. The latest Labour Force Survey revealed in June the number of unemployment claimants stood at 36,700, a decrease of 600 over the month.
Drop In Number Of People Claiming Unemployment Benefits
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Northern Ireland has dropped, according to new figures. The unemployment rate was 5.9% between March and May this year, a decrease of 0.4% over the year. The latest Labour Force Survey revealed in June the number of unemployment claimants stood at 36,700, a decrease of 600 over the month.
18 July 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.
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.
18 April 2007
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average with output levels for manufacturing and services showing a larger annual increase than the UK. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the period December – February 2007. This is slightly higher than the rates of 4.2% and 4.
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average with output levels for manufacturing and services showing a larger annual increase than the UK. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.6% for the period December – February 2007. This is slightly higher than the rates of 4.2% and 4.
15 May 2018
Northern Ireland Unemployment Rate Falls To Lowest Ever Level
The unemployment rate in Northern Ireland has fallen to its lowest ever level, according to a recent Labour Force Survey. New figures revealed the unemployment rate is 3.1% for the first quarter of 2018, lower than the UK rate of 4.2%, and down 0.8% from the last quarter. The figure is also below the European Union (7.
Northern Ireland Unemployment Rate Falls To Lowest Ever Level
The unemployment rate in Northern Ireland has fallen to its lowest ever level, according to a recent Labour Force Survey. New figures revealed the unemployment rate is 3.1% for the first quarter of 2018, lower than the UK rate of 4.2%, and down 0.8% from the last quarter. The figure is also below the European Union (7.
17 January 2007
Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average and the service sector’s annual output here is higher than the UK, a new report released today has revealed. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% for the period September – November 2006. The latest rate is below the UK average of 5.
Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains low
Northern Ireland's unemployment rate remains below the UK average and the service sector’s annual output here is higher than the UK, a new report released today has revealed. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2% for the period September – November 2006. The latest rate is below the UK average of 5.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.