Jobseekers claims falling

In total, 767 people claimed unemployment benefit in the local area. This represents 5.4 per cent of working age males and 2.2 per cent of working age females. In the past month, 37 fewer people have been claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, a decrease of 4.6 per cent. Over the last year, the jobless total in the Larne area fell by more than a fifth, a decrease of 21.1 per cent.

East Antrim MLA Alastair Ross stated: “Anyone talking to local businesses will get the strong sense that the economy is getting stronger and that optimism is returning. There is definitely cause for optimism and Government in Northern Ireland will continue to encourage local employers, up-skill job seekers, build a business friendly environment for investors and help job creators in the local economy.”