Ross welcomes latest unemployment figures

Newly released figures show that the number of claimants fell by 700 in November, meaning there has been a decrease of 8,800 in the unemployment claimant figures over the last 12 months. The total number of employee jobs in Northern Ireland was estimated at 720,290 for September 2014, representing an increase of 6,450 (0.9 per cent) over the quarter, and an increase of 14,200 (two per cent) over the year. This is now the tenth consecutive quarterly increase in employee jobs.

DUP representative Mr Ross said: “These figures show that the economy in Northern Ireland continues to grow stronger, with unemployment down and the number of employee jobs rising.

“Despite this, it is important that we continue to do all that we can to make Northern Ireland an attractive and easy place to do business, encourage employers to expand and take on more staff and support people who wish to upskill.

“The news that Corporation Tax powers are within our grasp should be an encouragement to all of those who wish to see Northern Ireland rebalance the economy and attract even more FDI from across the world.”