More people were employed in Northern Ireland last year than ever before, according to new figures released today.
Regional Labour Market Statistics reveal that in December 2003, there were 672,150 employees amounting to a net increase of 5,760 jobs over the year.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment figure for last month was 32,900 a fall of 600 over the month and 1,800 down on the same period last year.
The seasonally adjusted figure between November 2003 and January is 43,000 or 5.6 per cent.
Northern Ireland Office Enterprise Minister Mr Ian Pearson said the figures showed the economy was faring well despite recent job losses.
"Over the year unemployment has remained relatively constant and is now close to all time low levels," the minister said.
"As it stands the Northern Ireland unemployment rate is lower than three other UK regions: London (6.9 per cent), North East (6.3 per cent) and Scotland (5.7 per cent).
Last month the North suffered a setback with the announcements that the Japanese car components factory TK-ECC in Dundonald was to close, making 550 people unemployed.
The textiles industry was also hit by the news that Herdman's Mills in Sion Mills, Co Tyrone was to close, shedding 270 jobs.
Ulster Unionist chief whip Mr Roy Beggs, welcomed the news saying it indicated "how much we have caught up with the rest of the UK in the last five years".
PA