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17/10/2012
Foster Shows Concern Over Unemployment Figures
Arlene Foster has expressed concern over new figures which show a rise in unemployment in Northern Ireland.
Statistics released today for the quarter June - August 2012 show the rate of unemployment was up 1.2 percentage points.
Figures also show that in September the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 200 when compared to August.
The Enterprise Minister said: "The increase in the unemployment rate and the claimant count is, as always, disappointing. It continues to highlight the challenges faced by the Northern Ireland labour market."
Results from the Index of Services reported a fall of 1% in output for Northern Ireland during the quarter. Results from the Index of Production showed a 5% fall.
But over the year, the NI production sector still continued to perform better than the UK.
Minister Foster continued: "Northern Ireland is a small open economy and we cannot expect to remain unaffected by the continued uncertainty in markets around the world. In the face of these challenges, it is important that local businesses continue to look for export opportunities in the wider global economy."
She added: "Next month Invest Northern Ireland is leading a trade mission to China and the Hong Kong area with almost 30 companies participating. A further 15 Northern Ireland companies will be visiting the Food Hotel China exhibition in Shanghai to showcase the high quality of our local food industry products.
"I am also ensuring that support is provided directly to existing local businesses and to those developing new businesses. Through Invest NI’s Regional Start Initiative, delivered by Enterprise Northern Ireland, up to 5,000 business starts will be supported in the next two years. By supporting the entrepreneurial skills of these new firms with specialist advice we are continuing to support the private sector economy."
(IT)
Statistics released today for the quarter June - August 2012 show the rate of unemployment was up 1.2 percentage points.
Figures also show that in September the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 200 when compared to August.
The Enterprise Minister said: "The increase in the unemployment rate and the claimant count is, as always, disappointing. It continues to highlight the challenges faced by the Northern Ireland labour market."
Results from the Index of Services reported a fall of 1% in output for Northern Ireland during the quarter. Results from the Index of Production showed a 5% fall.
But over the year, the NI production sector still continued to perform better than the UK.
Minister Foster continued: "Northern Ireland is a small open economy and we cannot expect to remain unaffected by the continued uncertainty in markets around the world. In the face of these challenges, it is important that local businesses continue to look for export opportunities in the wider global economy."
She added: "Next month Invest Northern Ireland is leading a trade mission to China and the Hong Kong area with almost 30 companies participating. A further 15 Northern Ireland companies will be visiting the Food Hotel China exhibition in Shanghai to showcase the high quality of our local food industry products.
"I am also ensuring that support is provided directly to existing local businesses and to those developing new businesses. Through Invest NI’s Regional Start Initiative, delivered by Enterprise Northern Ireland, up to 5,000 business starts will be supported in the next two years. By supporting the entrepreneurial skills of these new firms with specialist advice we are continuing to support the private sector economy."
(IT)
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Northern Ireland has provisionally recorded its hottest day on record for the second time in five days. A temperature of 31.3 °C was recorded at 2:37pm on Wednesday 21 July in Castlederg, County Tyrone – exceeding the temperature recorded in Ballywatticock on Saturday 17 July of 31.2 °C.
New Hottest Day On Record As Heatwave Continues
Northern Ireland has provisionally recorded its hottest day on record for the second time in five days. A temperature of 31.3 °C was recorded at 2:37pm on Wednesday 21 July in Castlederg, County Tyrone – exceeding the temperature recorded in Ballywatticock on Saturday 17 July of 31.2 °C.
29 May 2012
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
Access To Republic Of Ireland Digital TV Channels Confirmed For Northern Ireland
TV viewers in Northern Ireland will be able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover, the UK Government confirmed today.
13 June 2007
Jobs growth continues in Northern Ireland
Figures released today have revealed Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, while the unemployment rate remains below the UK average.
Jobs growth continues in Northern Ireland
Figures released today have revealed Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, while the unemployment rate remains below the UK average.
15 March 2007
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.
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.
06 May 2005
Counting of votes continues in Northern Ireland
With the first results expected to be announced by mid-afternoon, at around 2.15pm the first MP elected was in West Belfast. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams retained a substantial 19,315 majority over his nearest rival the SDLP's Alex Atwood who polled 5,033 in the West Belfast constituency.
Counting of votes continues in Northern Ireland
With the first results expected to be announced by mid-afternoon, at around 2.15pm the first MP elected was in West Belfast. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams retained a substantial 19,315 majority over his nearest rival the SDLP's Alex Atwood who polled 5,033 in the West Belfast constituency.
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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.
