Dole queues stretch again

According to the latest figures from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETINI) the percentage of working people claiming social security here rose by 0.4 percentage points from 6.9 per cent to 7.3 per cent.

In Strabane the amount of dole claimants also rose from 6.9 per cent to 7.3 per cent. Londonderry and Strabane once again posted the highest rate or jobseekers claimaints in Northern Ireland. The rate in Limavady over the month also rose from 6.6 per cent of 7.1 per cent.

Figures released for January showed an increase of 1,400 over the month in the number of unemployed claimants in Northern Ireland as a whole.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The Northern Ireland unemployment rate was recorded at 6.0 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2009.

“This figure was lower than the UK average rate of 7.8 per cent, was the lowest of the UK regions and was below the Republic of Ireland rate of 12.9 per cent.

“However, more recent figures for January 2010 show a sharp increase of 1,400 in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits. “The latest monthly increase in claimants was the largest for several months, both in Northern Ireland and throughout the UK, and these results emphasise that the ongoing impact of the economic downturn is still very much with us.

“Most economic commentators believe that unemployment will continue to rise during the first half of 2010, before a sustained economic recovery is translated into jobs growth. The latest claimant count and redundancy figures indicate that this may indeed be the case.

“Our aim remains the same - to provide practical help and support to Northern Ireland businesses to ensure that job losses are minimised. It is imperative that businesses hold onto their key skilled employees if they are to take advantage of the opportunities that a global recovery will undoubtedly bring.”