Increase in local jobless total
The number of people out of work and claiming benefits in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council area rose by 2.1 per cent last month, according to the latest government figures.
The September Labour Market Report reveals that the local jobless total stood at 2,339 during August - 1,619 men and 720 women - an increase of 49 people from the previous month.
The borough’s claimant count (2.6 per cent of the working age population) is the third lowest among the 11 new council areas.
According to the government statistics, the local jobless total has dropped by 16.6 per cent over the past year, meaning 467 fewer people out of work and claiming benefits.