The number of people in employment in Northern Ireland has reached a record high, figures released today revealed.
The latest Labour Market Statistics showed that in December there were 660,970 people in jobs - up 7,090 over the year.
However the figures masked a sharp and continuing decline in the manufacturing sector over the last quarter of 2002.
The overall increase included 12,060 new jobs in the service sector but declines in manufacturing of 3,910, a further 660 in construction and 400 in other industries.
Northern Ireland Office minister responsible for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Mr Ian Pearson, said while the year on year increase was lower than the peak figures of several years ago, it was "still encouraging evidence of sustained performance despite difficult economic conditions."
The minister warned the province was not immune from the effects of current global uncertainty and the recent announcement of redundancies, in particular at aerospace company Bombardier Shorts, had shown certain sectors were more exposed than others to falling international demand.
Overall the manufacturing sector had shown a 4 per cent decrease in job numbers over the year.
"This is a vital sector in the Northern Ireland economy and we must look to improving the saleability of our expertise in this area," said Mr Pearson.
Most recent unemployment figures - November 2002 to January 2003 - showed unemployment standing at 5.5 per cent - down 0.5 per cent on the previous quarter and 0.6 per cent on the year.
PA