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Rise in NI unemployment figures Rise in NI unemployment figures
(40 minutes later)
There has been another increase in the number of unemployed people in Northern Ireland. The annual increase in unemployment in NI during 2008 was the largest since 1971, according to government figures.
The December increase has resulted in the largest annual increase in more than 37 years. The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits increased by 1,800 last month, which was smaller than the November statistics.
The number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in NI increased by 1,800 last month, which was smaller than the November figures. The construction industry accounted for 44% of the rise in claimants.
The construction industry accounted for 44% of the rise in claimants in December.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the rising number of claimants was "reflecting the continuing impact of the economic downturn".Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said the rising number of claimants was "reflecting the continuing impact of the economic downturn".
"There has been an increase of 10,000 over the last six months, including an additional 1,800 over the month to December 2008," she said."There has been an increase of 10,000 over the last six months, including an additional 1,800 over the month to December 2008," she said.
"This has been a rapid change over a relatively short period of time and there is still a degree of uncertainty about the severity and potential duration of the downturn."This has been a rapid change over a relatively short period of time and there is still a degree of uncertainty about the severity and potential duration of the downturn.
"While the challenging economic conditions are a global phenomenon, we shouldn't forget that this is a difficult time for the individuals and families concerned.""While the challenging economic conditions are a global phenomenon, we shouldn't forget that this is a difficult time for the individuals and families concerned."
Meanwhile, a financial services company has said it will create 40 jobs in an expansion in north Belfast.Meanwhile, a financial services company has said it will create 40 jobs in an expansion in north Belfast.
Prestige Insurance Holdings is taking over 22,000 sq ft facilities at Jennymount Business Park.Prestige Insurance Holdings is taking over 22,000 sq ft facilities at Jennymount Business Park.
The jobs will mostly be in financial advisory roles, relating to insurance claims.The jobs will mostly be in financial advisory roles, relating to insurance claims.