Menu
14/12/2011
Modest Fall In Unemployment Welcomed
There has been an official welcome for a modest fall in unemployment rate.
Figures released today for the period August - October 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate fell over the quarter from 7.4% to 6.9%.
Commenting on the figures, NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "It was encouraging to note the fall in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate during the latest quarter. Our rate of 6.9% now compares very favourably to the equivalent rates for the European Union (9.7%) and Republic of Ireland (14.2%).
"The employee jobs results for the third quarter of 2011 were not as positive, with an overall decline of 750 jobs over the quarter. This decrease was driven by a fall in public sector jobs. However, it was noteworthy that there was an increase of 1,120 private sector jobs during the quarter.
"Private sector jobs have now increased in two of the last three quarters, after a prolonged period of decline. While this increase is not particularly marked, the change in direction is welcome.
"There remains considerable uncertainty in European and global markets, but a strategy that seeks to grow the private sector remains the best way forward," added the DUP Minister.
To help strengthen Northern Ireland's economic recovery, arrangements are currently being finalised for a £50m Loan Fund, to specifically aid liquidity in [smaller companies] SMEs. This will become part of a wider £100m Access to Capital strategy.
In conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland's recently launched Boosting Business initiative this will help provide local businesses with the support they need to address the wide range of issues they currently face.
Arlene Foster continued: "Already there have been over 1,200 direct approaches by local businesses to Invest NI, seeking support and guidance on a wide range of business issues.
"Alongside new measures to help our companies to grow their exports, last week an Intellectual Property starter pack was launched along with enhanced IP support. This was introduced along with a number of new measures, specifically to encourage more SMEs to undertake R&D activity for the first time."
(BMcC)
Figures released today for the period August - October 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate fell over the quarter from 7.4% to 6.9%.
Commenting on the figures, NI Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "It was encouraging to note the fall in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate during the latest quarter. Our rate of 6.9% now compares very favourably to the equivalent rates for the European Union (9.7%) and Republic of Ireland (14.2%).
"The employee jobs results for the third quarter of 2011 were not as positive, with an overall decline of 750 jobs over the quarter. This decrease was driven by a fall in public sector jobs. However, it was noteworthy that there was an increase of 1,120 private sector jobs during the quarter.
"Private sector jobs have now increased in two of the last three quarters, after a prolonged period of decline. While this increase is not particularly marked, the change in direction is welcome.
"There remains considerable uncertainty in European and global markets, but a strategy that seeks to grow the private sector remains the best way forward," added the DUP Minister.
To help strengthen Northern Ireland's economic recovery, arrangements are currently being finalised for a £50m Loan Fund, to specifically aid liquidity in [smaller companies] SMEs. This will become part of a wider £100m Access to Capital strategy.
In conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland's recently launched Boosting Business initiative this will help provide local businesses with the support they need to address the wide range of issues they currently face.
Arlene Foster continued: "Already there have been over 1,200 direct approaches by local businesses to Invest NI, seeking support and guidance on a wide range of business issues.
"Alongside new measures to help our companies to grow their exports, last week an Intellectual Property starter pack was launched along with enhanced IP support. This was introduced along with a number of new measures, specifically to encourage more SMEs to undertake R&D activity for the first time."
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 December 2010
Building Jobs Losses Hit NI Dole Figure
The construction sector has again been highlighted as a major factor in rising unemployment levels. Figures released today for the period August - October 2010 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate has increased over the quarter to reach 7.6%.
Building Jobs Losses Hit NI Dole Figure
The construction sector has again been highlighted as a major factor in rising unemployment levels. Figures released today for the period August - October 2010 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate has increased over the quarter to reach 7.6%.
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 April 2016
NICEI Report Finds Slight Increase In NI Economy
The economy in Northern Ireland grew by 0.9% in the last quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The number was revealed in the latest NI Composite Economic Index (NICEI), which was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
NICEI Report Finds Slight Increase In NI Economy
The economy in Northern Ireland grew by 0.9% in the last quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014. The number was revealed in the latest NI Composite Economic Index (NICEI), which was published today by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
15 April 2009
Recession Hitting NI Retailing And Construction Sectors Hardest
While the construction industry 'led' the way in a league of poorly performing NI businesses sectors, it has emerged that retail businesses have also performing been badly in the local economy this year.
Recession Hitting NI Retailing And Construction Sectors Hardest
While the construction industry 'led' the way in a league of poorly performing NI businesses sectors, it has emerged that retail businesses have also performing been badly in the local economy this year.
18 April 2012
Exports Are Vital To Economic Success - Foster
Local businesses which focus on exports can continue to grow in the current economic climate. Arlene Foster was speaking in Mumbai, where she is participating in an Invest Northern Ireland 24 company-strong trade mission.
Exports Are Vital To Economic Success - Foster
Local businesses which focus on exports can continue to grow in the current economic climate. Arlene Foster was speaking in Mumbai, where she is participating in an Invest Northern Ireland 24 company-strong trade mission.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
