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Rise in NI unemployment predicted Sharp increase in NI unemployment
(about 4 hours later)
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has said she expects unemployment numbers to rise again when the latest figures are released later on Wednesday. There has been a sharp increase in the number of people out of work in Northern Ireland.
Last month, the number of people claiming job seeker's allowance in Northern Ireland rose to 42,000. The latest figures released by the Labour Force Survey show that the number claiming job seeker's allowance in NI has increased to 43,900.
Mrs Foster said she expected that number to increase because of job cuts in recent months. The figure marks an increase of 1,900 claimants in the past month and show that the unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2009 stands at 5.7%.
"But what we're trying to do is be practical in our advice and assistance," said the DUP minister. Minister Arlene Foster said the figures reflected a weak global economy.
"I've been having ongoing discussions with the minister for employment and learning and we're hoping to come forward with a package in the near future in relation to sustaining jobs, reskilling and retraining. "However, our unemployment rate remained below that of the UK and despite the recent increase, it was still fourth lowest of the UK regions," she said.
"And we're looking at very practical help for those companies who are viable in the medium to long term but aren't viable in the short term." "Following the significant job losses announced in April, particularly in the manufacturing sector, I met with the Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey and we have agreed to do all that we can to help businesses and local workers plot their way through this challenging recession."