Fractional rise in local unemployment

Figures released for April show the first provincewide decrease for 27 months in the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits. However, in Craigavon the number of claimants rose slightly by 0.2 of a per cent (five people).

There are now 2,880 people claiming unemployment related benefits in Craigavon - 2,204 men and 676 women.

In the past 12 months there have been 149 redundancies in the Craigavon Borough Council area, leaving it fifth overall in terms of confirmed redundancies.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The figures for April 2010 showed a decrease of 200 in the number of people receiving unemployment related benefits over the month. The latest figures are to be welcomed, as this represents the first fall in claimant unemployment for 27 months.

“Most economic commentators believe that the recovery, when it comes, will follow a pattern of slow growth. However, we can seek to accelerate this growth by actively looking to expand our markets where the opportunity exists.

“Re-orienting our economy towards high value added driven growth cannot wait until the global economy recovers fully. I would encourage businesses to be proactive in pursuing export opportunities by maintaining their focus on the production of high quality goods and services, even when trading conditions remain difficult.”