The number of jobs being created in Northern Ireland continues to grow with employment levels reaching a new record high, according to figures released today.
The Quarterly employment survey issued by the Northern Ireland government estimated there were 683,050 employee jobs filled in June this year, 2,910 more than in the previous quarter and 12,210 up on the same time last year.
Unemployment levels remain low with the current unemployment rate at 5.1 per cent- 39,000 people - down from 5.2% in the previous quarter and 5.3 per cent a year before.
The unemployment rate is lower than four UK regions, London, Scotland, the North East and the West Midlands.
Over the last three months the number of people claiming benefits fell by 2,100. It now stands at 29,400 - down 5,100 on the year.
Commenting on the figures, Enterprise Minister Mr Barry Gardiner said: "These figures represent good news for the Northern Ireland economy.
"The continuing low level of unemployment combined with a growth in jobs to the highest figure on record is exactly the kind of news that we want to hear."
He revealed that over the past five years employee jobs growth in Northern Ireland - 9.2 per cent - had been over twice the UK average.
"The economy must continue to create well paid and highly skilled employment," he said. "Investing in the future through innovation and research and development is the key to our long-term success."