Foster comments on latest labour market figures

Figures released today for the period March – May 2011 show that the Northern Ireland unemployment rate decreased over the quarter to 7.1%.

More recent figures for June 2011 show that the number of unemployment benefit claimants increased by 400 from the previous month’s revised figure.

Output from the Northern Ireland Production sector rose by 1.0% during the same period, while the UK decreased by 0.1%.

Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: “The latest labour market indicators reported a slight fall in the Northern Ireland unemployment rate, with the rate remaining well below the average for the European Union.

“It was also encouraging to note the fall in economic inactivity levels during the latest quarter. High levels of economic inactivity have historically been an unenviable feature of the Northern Ireland labour market, so any improvement in our labour market participation rates is obviously a welcome step.

“The increased output in the Production sector over the quarter and the year is promising. Manufacturing is a key sector in Northern Ireland and there is evidence that it has been returning to growth with increased output in five out of the last six quarters.”

Arlene Foster added: “The latest figures confirm the continuing need to pursue a policy of accelerated growth in high value added sectors with all the benefits that brings in terms of the wider economy.

“The period of consultation on proposals to rebalance the Northern Ireland economy has now ended. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have made written submissions on this key issue. This will give us a sound basis on which to develop this policy initiative and work will continue over the summer to finalise proposals.”

Further information on the latest labour market figures is available in the Labour Market Statistical Press Release (see http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-stats-index/stats-labour-market.htm).
 
The Index of Services press release can be accessed via
http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-stats-index/stats-surveys/stats-ios.htm
 
The Index of Production press release can be accessed via
http://www.detini.gov.uk/deti-stats-index/stats-surveys/stats-index-of-production.htm