Economy Minister comments on latest labour market figures
Date published:
Figures released today for the period September - November 2016 show that the Northern Ireland Labour Force Survey unemployment rate stands at 5.6%.
The number of claimants in receipt of unemployment related benefits stood at 32,700, a decrease of 800 over the month. There has been a fall of 5,900 in the unemployment claimant figures over the last 12 months.
Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister Simon Hamilton MLA said: “The figures published today contain positive messages across a range of key labour market indicators. In particular, the reductions in unemployment over the medium term and the further and continued decreases in the number of people on the unemployment register. In addition, employee jobs have continued to increase over the year in NI but estimates show the rate of growth is beginning to slow.”
Minister Hamilton continued: “It is important therefore that local businesses continue to develop through research and development, seeking new markets and promoting inward investment. I would encourage businesses to actively seek out these opportunities and to take advantage of Invest NI’s continued support for local businesses and the local economy.”
Notes to editors:
1. Further information on the latest labour market figures is available in the Labour Market Statistics Economic Overview and from the Northern Ireland Executive website
2. For media enquiries, please contact DfE Press Office on 028 9052 9604. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.
3. General information can be obtained from Andrew Mawhinney, Economic & Labour Market Statistics Branch, on Tel: 028 9052 9668.