THE decline in the North's unemployment has bottomed out, according to figures released yesterday by the British government.
The seasonally adjusted total showed the number of people out of work in December was the same as in November.
A total of 86,400 people unemployed, 11.4 per cent the workforce. The North's Economy Minister, Denton, said the figures "a timely reminder that unemployment does not come by magic".
The largest drops over year were in Belfast, and Strabane in Co Tyrone in Co Fermanagh.
Meanwhile, it is feared up to 250 jobs could be lost in clothing company in Ballywalter, Co Down, spokesman for Copelands that the firm's position "under review" and an announcement would be made later this month.
