The number of people unemployed in Northern Ireland has fallen by 7,000 over the year and stands at 7.4 per cent of the workforce, according to the latest British government data. Some 54,000 are out of work, and the unemployment rate is almost 3 per cent below the European average. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment figure for August was down 900 over the month to 55,800.
The Economy Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, welcomed the figures. But he warned that, although recently there had been small rises in employment, continued effort was needed to improve jobs growth. "While the Northern Ireland labour market is still in very good shape we cannot sit still," he said. "Renewed determination and sustained effort are required if further improvements in employment growth are to be delivered. Everyone has a part to play in making that happen because everyone has a stake in the future."