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Jobless rise biggest since 1971 Jobless rise biggest since 1971
(about 16 hours later)
Northern Ireland has had its largest annual increase in unemployment since 1971, according to new figures.Northern Ireland has had its largest annual increase in unemployment since 1971, according to new figures.
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits increased by 2,200 during the last month, to 38,400 in January 2009.The number of people claiming unemployment benefits increased by 2,200 during the last month, to 38,400 in January 2009.
This increase was similar to that recorded in the previous monthly period to December 2008.This increase was similar to that recorded in the previous monthly period to December 2008.
However, the increase over the year to January was 14,700, a higher percentage increase than the UK as a whole.However, the increase over the year to January was 14,700, a higher percentage increase than the UK as a whole.
The annual percentage increase in Northern Ireland 62%, was the highest since the claimant count began in January 1971. Construction workers
Nearly 80% of the annual increase occurred in the last six months. The Construction Employers Federation said that for a third month in a row, more than 1,000 construction workers had signed on for unemployment benefit in Northern Ireland.
Managing Director John Armstrong warned that if this trend continued, 15,000 construction workers would be claiming benefits by the summer.
"But the figures for jobseekers' claims do not reveal the true extent of unemployment within the industry, because a significant number of people engaged are self-employed workers who tend not to register for unemployment benefit but move out of the industry and many seek employment outside Northern Ireland," he said.
"Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many workers are not working full weeks and companies are working short-time.
"Taking these factors into account, we estimate that there may be 2,000 jobs being lost each month and that layoffs could potentially top 30,000 by July."
Annual increase
The 62% annual percentage increase in Northern Ireland was the highest since the claimant count began in January 1971.
Almost 80% of the annual increase occurred in the last six months.
The district council areas which showed the highest percentage increase over the year were Magherafelt (an increase of 536, or 189.4%), Dungannon (727, or 161.9%) and Cookstown (471, or 149.5%).The district council areas which showed the highest percentage increase over the year were Magherafelt (an increase of 536, or 189.4%), Dungannon (727, or 161.9%) and Cookstown (471, or 149.5%).
However, unemployment rates for these three areas were still equal to or below the Northern Ireland average.However, unemployment rates for these three areas were still equal to or below the Northern Ireland average.
"Last month showed another sharp increase in the registered unemployed and the increase over the last six months has been particularly marked," Economy Minister Arlene Foster said."Last month showed another sharp increase in the registered unemployed and the increase over the last six months has been particularly marked," Economy Minister Arlene Foster said.
"It is clear the local economy, in line with other UK regions, is facing very immediate economic pressures."It is clear the local economy, in line with other UK regions, is facing very immediate economic pressures.
"Northern Ireland cannot expect to emerge unscathed from the global downturn, however, we are working to limit its detrimental impact.""Northern Ireland cannot expect to emerge unscathed from the global downturn, however, we are working to limit its detrimental impact."