Unemployment rose over the last quarter in Northern Ireland, the latest labour statistics released by the Stormont Executive show.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.2 per cent for the period from October until December 2007, an increase from the 3.8 per cent recorded in the third quarter. However, the figure is unchanged from the same period last year.

According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, the rate remains below the UK average of 5.2 per cent and is also considerably lower than the EU27 rate of 6.9 per cent for November 2007.

The data also shows there were 781,000 people in employment in Northern Ireland, an estimated increase of 0.1 per cent in employment levels over the quarter and a rise of 1.2 per cent over the year.

However, the scale of economic inactivity among those of working age is less positive.

The latest seasonally adjusted working age economic inactivity rate in Northern Ireland is 27.1 per cent, down from 27.3 per cent recorded for the previous quarter.

This is significantly higher than the UK average of 21.0 per cent and is the highest among the UK regions.

The numbers of those of working age who are economically inactive and on benefits has steadily risen for many years, outpacing the numbers of those returning to the labour market.

However, Minister for Enterprise Nigel Dodds emphasised the positive elements of the announcement.

"Despite a slight rise in unemployment levels this quarter, the Northern Ireland unemployment rate remains well below the European Union average," he said. "It is the second lowest among the UK regions.

"The Northern Ireland rate has been maintained below the 5 per cent mark for three years now and this illustrates how our labour market has strengthened in recent years.

"Our aim is to build on this foundation and maximise our potential by encouraging greater labour market participation among the Northern Ireland population.

"Northern Ireland companies should expand and develop innovative products and services, to be able to compete in new markets and create high value-added, quality jobs to sustain employment growth for years to come."