NI unemployment hits record low
Unemployment in Northern Ireland has fallen to another record low, according to figures released today.
The latest labour market figures showed a seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate of 5.1% for the July-September quarter – down 0.2% on the previous three months.
The number recorded as out of work was estimated at 38,000.
The number of people claiming benefit stood at 29,800 – 3.7% of the workforce.
The number of claimants was up 100 on the previous month but down 4,900 over the year.
Seasonally-adjusted figures also estimated that there were 720,000 people in employment in the July-September period – up 6,000 on the previous quarter.
A British Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment spokesman said the pattern of low unemployment rates in the North had continued and further growth in demand in the labour market is confirmed by a rise in employment levels over the quarter.
“The economy is moving in the right direction. However, the Northern Ireland workforce has the potential to grow much further.
“We must continue to encourage the creation of high-quality jobs, to build on strengths and be innovative in developing high value added products and services,” said the spokesman.
