Number on dole in North hits 60,000 for first time in more than a decade

The number of people claiming jobless benefits in Northern Ireland hit 60,000 last month – the highest figure on record for more than a decade.

Latest labour market statistics show a further 600 people joined the dole queues in the North during July, which brought the total number receiving unemployment benefits to 60,400.

The impact of school leavers unable to find a job in the North led to a sharp spike in young people claiming benefits. The rise mirrors the trend across the UK, where the overall claimant count jumped by 37,100 last month to 1.56 million.