17/06/2015

Rise In Unemployment

There has been a rise in unemployment, according to the latest Labour Market figures.

In the three months to April 2015 unemployment stood at 6.1%, an increase of 0.1% from the previous quarter.

However, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit has dropped for the 27th consecutive month.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell said: "Although we have seen a slight increase in the monthly unemployment rate, the annual decrease in both the unemployment rate and the number claiming unemployment related benefits portrays a more positive picture than a year ago. Production sector output is also encouraging showing an increase over the quarter and the year.

"There are many encouraging signs for the Northern Ireland economy with continued evidence of job creation and significant investment among businesses here."

(CD)

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