Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland:
I welcome today’s Labour Market Statistics, which demonstrate continued stability in the Northern Ireland economy.
The unemployment rate is down to 5.4 per cent, the lowest since the great crash in 2008 and those claiming unemployment related benefits has fallen again, with a drop of 52 per cent since the series peak in 2013.
Almost 10,000 new jobs were created in Northern Ireland over the year, meaning more people with the security of a job and a regular pay packet for themselves and their family.
Political stability is a fundamental basis for economic success and securing devolved institutions in Northern Ireland is vital to keep this momentum going as we continue to build an economy that works for everyone.
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