Jobs rise to record high

Figures released today show Northern Ireland has the highest number of jobs on record, while the unemployment rate remained low.

Seasonally adjusted figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 720,210 employee jobs filled in September 2007, representing a net increase of 1,450 over the quarter and an increase of 12,010 over the year. The overall increase over the quarter was driven by rises in Service Sector jobs (+1,170) and Construction jobs (+640).

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Northern Ireland was estimated at 4.0% for the period August - October 2007. This represents an increase from the rate recorded in the previous quarter (3.4%), but a fall from the rate for the same period one year ago (4.6%). The Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains below the UK average (5.3%) and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate (7.0%) for September 2007.

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits stands at 23,300. This shows an increase of 100 from the previous month and is down 3,900 over the year.

The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (27.0%) is similar to the rate for the previous quarter (27.1%). The latest Northern Ireland rate (27.0%) remains significantly higher than the UK average (21.2%) and it continues to be the highest of all the UK regions.

Commenting on the figures, Economy Minister, Nigel Dodds said: "The number of jobs in Northern Ireland has once again risen to its highest ever level and this represents positive news for the labour market.

“It is encouraging to note that the entire increase in jobs over the year is accounted for by the private sector, which increased by some 12,830 jobs during the last year. The private services sector in particular recorded an annual growth of close to 10,000 jobs and has continued to be the driving force in jobs growth in Northern Ireland.

“Despite the slight rise in unemployment over the quarter, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate has fallen over the year and continues to be considerably lower than the averages for the UK and European Union.

“The draft Programme for Government reinforced our commitment to developing a strong and vibrant economy in Northern Ireland. My recent business missions to the United States also provided important opportunities to highlight the potential of the Northern Ireland workforce and the business expertise that exists here.

“I am determined that next year’s US Investment Conference will assist us in building strong economic conditions on which to deliver the target of over 6,500 new jobs by 2011, through inward investment projects.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Media enquiries to the DETI Press Office on telephone 028 9052 9604.
2. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
3. General information can be obtained from Martin Monaghan, DETI Statistics Research Branch, on Tel: 028 9052 9421.
4. The Labour Force Survey figures quoted are estimates and are subject to sampling error. This means that the exact figure is likely to be contained in a range surrounding the estimate quoted.
5. Details of the sampling errors, together with more detailed statistical information and definitions of the methodology used, can be found in the Labour Market Report (LMR), which is available on the following website: http://www.statistics.detini.gov.uk/ or at http://www.detini.gov.uk/cgi-bin/downdoc?id=3343