Latest Labour Market Figures Released

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the North was 4.1% for the period April - June 2008. This represents a fall from the rate of 4.6% recorded last quarter, but is up from the rate of 3.8% recorded in the same period one year ago.

The latest rate remains below the UK average (5.4%) and is also considerably lower than the European Union rate (6.8%) for May 2008.

Seasonally adjusted figures for the same period estimate that there were 790,000 people in employment in the North. The new figures represent an estimated increase of 0.4% in employment levels over the quarter and a rise of 0.3% over the year.

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 26,600. This shows an increase of 700 from the previous month and is up 3,000 over the year.

The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in the North (26.8%) was essentially unchanged from the figure of 26.9% recorded for the previous quarter. This rate (26.8%) continues to be significantly higher than the UK average (20.9%) and is the highest among the UK regions.

Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister, Arlene Foster said: "Unemployment in Northern Ireland remains low, with the latest rate well below the European Union average and second lowest among the UK regions. Employment levels have also increased over the quarter and this news is particularly encouraging, given the well publicised slow down in the world economy.

"The fall-out from the credit crunch is continuing to make trading conditions very difficult for Northern Ireland businesses. However, if they remain focused on customer needs and continue to develop innovative, high-quality products and services, they can continue to compete effectively in both the local and global marketplace."