Fallin Dungannon un3employment

According to the figures, a total of 1,558 people claimed unemployment benefits last month, which was a fall of 2.7% from the month of March.

Meanwhile, the Dungannon Council area’s jobless rate has witnessed a decrease of 6.5% from the beginning of the year.

During the month of April, 4.1% of the working population were without a job.

Commenting on the latest job figures, Arlene Foster, Enterprise Minister, pointed to a decrease in the number of unemployment benefit claimants of 200 over the month across Northern Ireland.

The Minister said: “Although there has been a rise in the unemployment rate over the quarter, the number of people on the claimant count in February has decreased.

“It is encouraging that the claimant count has now decreased for three consecutive months for the first time since August 2007.

“This fall of 600 in the claimant count over the last three months is very welcome.

“While it is too early to read too much into this, as there is still considerable uncertainty in the global economy, is important that we build on these positive signs.”