Continued Jobs Growth In The North

Seasonally adjusted figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 722,070 employee jobs filled in December 2007, representing a net increase of 1,900 over the quarter and an increase of 13,410 over the year.

The overall increase over the quarter was driven by rises in Service Sector jobs (up by 2,030) and Manufacturing jobs (up by just 220), however there was a decrease in Construction jobs (down by 420) over the same period.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the North was estimated at 4.4% for the period from November 2007 to January 2008.

This represents a slight increase from both the rate recorded in the previous quarter (which stood at 4.0%) and from the rate for the same period one year ago (4.3%).

The unemployment rate in the North remains below the UK average (which stands at 5.2%) and is also considerably lower than the European Union's 'EU 27' rate (which stood at 6.8%) for December 2007.

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 23,900. This shows an increase of 100 from the previous month, but is down 1,900 over the year.

The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in the North (27.1%) is up slightly from the rate for the previous quarter (27.0%).

The latest rate (27.1%) remains significantly higher than the U.K. average of 21.0% and it continues to be the highest of all the U.K. regions.

Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said: "The news that the number of jobs in Northern Ireland has once again risen to record levels is very encouraging.

"This increase has been achieved in what are very challenging global trading conditions and the continued jobs growth is a testament to the resilience of the Northern Ireland business community.

"The success of private sector services in particular has been a key driver in the labour market growth, accounting for some 70% of the annual increase in jobs.

"We want to instil a climate whereby all our businesses are market aware and focussed on developing and improving their products and services.

"If our businesses can concentrate on becoming internationally competitive, they can seize the opportunities available and sustain jobs growth for years to come."