Jobless figures up again

While figures since August have fallen slightly by 0.6 per cent, a further 59 people have joined the local dole queue since 2010.

Men continue to dominate the 1,160 people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. There are 330 unemployed women.

The latest figures show that unemployment in Northern Ireland has risen to 60,900 - the highest level in the past 14 years.

The number of unemployed people, aged 18 to 24, in Northern Ireland is estimated at 18 per cent, meaning almost one in five cannot find a job.

The overall unemployment rate in Northern Ireland is 7.6 per cent.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the increase is disappointing.

“It is clear from this month’s figures that, whilst our primary focus must remain on creating the higher value jobs that drive productivity and competitiveness, there remains a very real issue with getting people either back or into work,” she said.

“The pipeline of projects is strong and I expect more announcements to be made in the coming weeks, from businesses large and small across Northern Ireland.”