New Year cheer as jobless total starts to fall in Lisburn

Following on from the fall in the city's jobless total last month, the latest statistics revealed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, show a continuation in the downward trend.

In November 2009 over 100 people found employment, a reduction in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Lisburn of 3.7%.

In total there are 2,787 people registered as unemployed in the city, some 4% of the working age population.

While the figures are beginning to slowly fall, overall during the year there has been a marked increase in unemployment. Over the past year the figures in Lisburn have risen by 46.9%. However, many will be hoping these latest figures are showing some signs of economic recovery that will continue in 2010.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: "The unemployment rate has remained relatively constant over the most recent period. However, third quarter employee job figures indicated that the Construction, Services and Manufacturing sectors all reported continuing job losses. The number of confirmed redundancies has also nearly doubled this year, compared to last.

"The 'levelling off' of unemployment figures in recent months is welcome news for the Northern Ireland labour market. However, it is difficult to say whether this is a pause in the jobless figure or if it represents the turning point that will eventually see the number of claimants fall.

"The view of most economic commentators is that there will be a time lag before any recovery in business confidence is translated into jobs growth. The labour market results in the next few months will let us know if this is the case."