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17/09/2008
Building Industry Fall-Off Highlighted In Jobs' Figures
Official figures released today show the number of jobs in Northern Ireland has risen - driven by increased service sector positions - but at an overall slower rate of growth than previously, while there was a marked decrease in construction sector jobs.
While the new estimates represented the highest figure of employment on record, the rate of growth over the latest quarter (0.1%) had slowed compared to the same quarter one year earlier (0.8%).
A stark warning has been cast though by the news that construction jobs fell by 900, with the sector usually being a reliable 'barometer' of the overall economy.
Seasonally adjusted figures from the NI 'Quarterly Employment Survey' estimated that there were 722,320 employee jobs filled in June 2008, representing a net increase of 480 over the quarter and an increase of 4,490 over the year.
The overall increase over the quarter was driven by rises in service sector jobs (+1,510).
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Northern Ireland was estimated at 4.4% for the period May - July 2008.
This represented an increase from both the rate recorded in the previous quarter (3.9%) and from the rate for the same period one year ago (3.5%).
However, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate remained below the UK average (5.5%) and was also lower than the European Union (6.8%) and Republic of Ireland (5.7%) rates for June 2008.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in August 2008 stood at 27,600. This showed an increase of 800 from the previous month and a rise of 4,200 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (27.0%) had increased from the rate for the previous quarter (26.5%).
The Northern Ireland rate (27.0%) remained significantly higher than the UK average (20.8%) and continued to be the highest of all the UK regions.
Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister, Arlene Foster said: "The latest figures show that jobs growth had slowed and that unemployment was rising.
"As expected, the construction industry was worst affected, reflecting the pressures being experienced in the housing market and the wider building industry.
"However, our overall unemployment rate remained below that of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
"World economic conditions may lead to the continuation of these trends in the next set of figures," she said, commenting that trading conditions have become increasingly difficult, with a combination of rising costs, limitations on credit and reduced demand from overseas markets.
"We must continue to focus on the areas that offer the greatest long term return, as outlined in the Programme for Government. These include prioritising skills and innovation, and targeting high value-added markets," she said.
(BMcC)
While the new estimates represented the highest figure of employment on record, the rate of growth over the latest quarter (0.1%) had slowed compared to the same quarter one year earlier (0.8%).
A stark warning has been cast though by the news that construction jobs fell by 900, with the sector usually being a reliable 'barometer' of the overall economy.
Seasonally adjusted figures from the NI 'Quarterly Employment Survey' estimated that there were 722,320 employee jobs filled in June 2008, representing a net increase of 480 over the quarter and an increase of 4,490 over the year.
The overall increase over the quarter was driven by rises in service sector jobs (+1,510).
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Northern Ireland was estimated at 4.4% for the period May - July 2008.
This represented an increase from both the rate recorded in the previous quarter (3.9%) and from the rate for the same period one year ago (3.5%).
However, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate remained below the UK average (5.5%) and was also lower than the European Union (6.8%) and Republic of Ireland (5.7%) rates for June 2008.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in August 2008 stood at 27,600. This showed an increase of 800 from the previous month and a rise of 4,200 over the year.
The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (27.0%) had increased from the rate for the previous quarter (26.5%).
The Northern Ireland rate (27.0%) remained significantly higher than the UK average (20.8%) and continued to be the highest of all the UK regions.
Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister, Arlene Foster said: "The latest figures show that jobs growth had slowed and that unemployment was rising.
"As expected, the construction industry was worst affected, reflecting the pressures being experienced in the housing market and the wider building industry.
"However, our overall unemployment rate remained below that of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
"World economic conditions may lead to the continuation of these trends in the next set of figures," she said, commenting that trading conditions have become increasingly difficult, with a combination of rising costs, limitations on credit and reduced demand from overseas markets.
"We must continue to focus on the areas that offer the greatest long term return, as outlined in the Programme for Government. These include prioritising skills and innovation, and targeting high value-added markets," she said.
(BMcC)
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16 July 2008
Increase In Employment Levels, Latest Figures Show
Latest figures show an increase in employment levels with unemployment remaining low in Northern Ireland. Output from Northern Ireland's production and service sectors was relatively constant in the first quarter of 2008. Production output was up over the year. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.
Increase In Employment Levels, Latest Figures Show
Latest figures show an increase in employment levels with unemployment remaining low in Northern Ireland. Output from Northern Ireland's production and service sectors was relatively constant in the first quarter of 2008. Production output was up over the year. The Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.
15 February 2010
Mid-Ulster Rates Increase Tops NI
There have been significant rises in rates for homeowners of more than 7% in Belfast, Ballymoney and Limavady council areas. However, Magherafelt Council has announced the biggest percentage increase following the striking of the district rate by Northern Ireland councils. The mid-Ulster domestic ratepayers are facing a rise of 8.
Mid-Ulster Rates Increase Tops NI
There have been significant rises in rates for homeowners of more than 7% in Belfast, Ballymoney and Limavady council areas. However, Magherafelt Council has announced the biggest percentage increase following the striking of the district rate by Northern Ireland councils. The mid-Ulster domestic ratepayers are facing a rise of 8.
11 November 2009
NI Unemployment Rises
Figures released today have recorded a further increase in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate. During the third quarter of 2009, the Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate - as measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) - was estimated at 7.2% for the period July to September 2009. This represented an increase from the rate of 6.
NI Unemployment Rises
Figures released today have recorded a further increase in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate. During the third quarter of 2009, the Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate - as measured by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) - was estimated at 7.2% for the period July to September 2009. This represented an increase from the rate of 6.
20 July 2016
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.
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.
12 December 2007
Employment Levels Hit Record High
Christmas may be the time to be merry, but it looks like there is reason to celebrate well in to 2008 as figures just released have shown that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record – with many more people working in both the building and construction world, as well as in the service sector.
Employment Levels Hit Record High
Christmas may be the time to be merry, but it looks like there is reason to celebrate well in to 2008 as figures just released have shown that Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record – with many more people working in both the building and construction world, as well as in the service sector.
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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.
