The Northern Ireland jobless total has risen for the first time in 14 months. The seasonally adjusted figures for October show an increase in unemployment by 700 to 60,300, or 7.8 per cent of the workforce.
The Northern Ireland figures are in contrast with Britain, where the number of people out of work and receiving benefit is the lowest for 17 years.
The Northern Economy Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, said despite the increase unemployment remained at less than half of its 1986 peak. "This is set against a backdrop of a longer-term downward trend in unemployment and continuing economic growth," he said.
"Despite the overall increase, I am encouraged by the drop in long-term unemployed - a decrease of 4 per cent over the month and 35 per cent over the year. At 28,422, the number of long-term unemployed stands at just over half its level four years ago."
Mr Sean Farren, the SDLP's economy spokesman, said lack of progress in the peace talks could be partly to blame for the rise. "I believe the lack of progress at the all-party talks and the general air of uncertainty are, at least, partly responsible for the disappointing Northern Ireland figures."
