Jobless rate dips slightly but still worst in province

The city once again posted the highest rate of dole claimants in the province. But according to the latest figures from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETINI) the percentage of working people claiming social security here dipped from 7.4 per cent to 7.2 per cent.

In Strabane the amount of dole claimants decreased for the third month running from 7.1 per cent to 6.8 per cent. In Limavady the rate also decreased slightly over the month from 7.1 per cent to 7 per cent.

Elsewhere the areas that showed the highest percentage increase in levels over the year to April 2010 were Castlereagh (32.5 per cent), Newry & Mourne (31.6 per cent) and North Down (28.8 per cent).

Province-wide April 2010 marked the first decrease for 27 months in the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits.

However, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate increased to 6.7 per cent for the earlier period of January - March 2010.

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."

Further information on the latest labour market figures is available in the Labour Market Statistical Press Release (see the DETI website)