First quarter sees jobs growth and low unemployment

Latest figures show that the number of jobs in Northern Ireland rose to the highest figure on record in March 2008.

The unemployment rate has decreased over the quarter (February-April 2008) and remains below the UK average.

Seasonally adjusted figures from the Quarterly Employment Survey estimated that there were 722,120 employee jobs filled in March 2008, representing a net increase of 1,380 over the quarter and an increase of 10,630 over the year. The overall increase over the quarter was driven by rises in Service Sector jobs (+1,570) and manufacturing jobs (+70), however there was a decrease in construction jobs (-230) over the same period.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Northern Ireland was estimated at 3.9% for the period February - April 2008. This represents a slight decrease from both the rate recorded in the previous quarter (4.4%) and from the rate for the same period one year ago (4.0%). The Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains below the UK average (5.3%) and is also considerably lower than the European Union rate (6.7%) for March 2008.

The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in May 2008 stands at 24,700. This shows an increase of 200 from the previous month and an increase of 800 over the last three months. However, there were still 100 fewer persons claiming unemployment benefits in May 2008 than one year ago.

The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland (26.5%) is down slightly from the rate for the previous quarter (27.1%). The Northern Ireland rate (26.5%) remains significantly higher than the UK average (20.8%) and it continues to be the highest of all the UK regions.

Commenting on the figures, the Economy Minister Arlene Foster said: “Given the well-documented downturn that currently looms over the world economy, it is encouraging to see continued jobs growth in Northern Ireland in the first quarter of the year.

“Most sectors have continued to perform well in what are difficult trading conditions. Overall the private sector in Northern Ireland grew by some 9,000 jobs during the last year, which is particularly welcome.”

The Minister continued: “However, there is some evidence that economic pressures are continuing to build. With the fall-out from the credit crunch set to continue, it is imperative that our businesses do everything possible to maintain their competitiveness. They must look to exploit any opportunities that exist in alternative markets. Being more innovative, customer focused and export orientated will enable our companies to grow, despite the adverse global conditions.

“With that goal in mind, I look forward to working with all the relevant stakeholders in the Northern Ireland economy. I want to help create the conditions needed for continued growth in our economy and thereby ensure future opportunities for the people of Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The June Purchasing Mangers Index released by the Ulster Bank reported a contraction in employment in the April-May period. The DETI employee jobs survey relates to the situation in March 2008 and is based on a sample of 4,900 companies while the PMI is based on a much smaller sample size.
2. Media enquiries should be directed to the DETI Press Office on telephone 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 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 websites: DETI statistics and the Department of Enterprise, Trading and Investment website