The number of people signing on the Live Register fell by more than 4,000 in February, although when the figures are seasonally adjusted they show a slight increase.
The Live Register decreased by 4,247 (-2.5 per cent) in March to 168,880. This compares with a corresponding fall of 3,335 (-1.9 per cent) in March of last year.
When seasonal factors are taken into account, the seasonally adjusted total increased from 170,100 in February to 170,400 last month, an increase of 300.
In the year to the end of March there was an increase of 821 (+0.5 per cent). This compares to an annual increase of 1,733 (+1.0 per cent) recorded in the year to February 2004.
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The standardised unemployment rate in March was 4.6 per cent, unchanged from October 2003.