Unemployment rates in Northern Ireland have risen over the last three months, it emerged today.
New seasonally adjusted figures revealed 4.8 per cent of the eligible population were out of work during February to April.
Although that was an increase of 0.2 per cent on the previous quarter, it was down from the 5.2 per cent total for the same period last year.
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits fell by 100, bringing the claimant count to 29,000.
That represented a drop of 2,400 over the last year. With 691,670 jobs filled in March 2005, the Government trumpeted a 4,360 increase over the quarter and a 12,660 rise during the year.
Enterprise Minister Angela Smith said: "These figures represent positive news for the Northern Ireland economy. "The number of jobs are at a record high and unemployment levels remain close to their lowest ever levels."
Unemployment rates in the North are lower than three other UK regions: London, the North East and Scotland.
Armed with the statistics, Ms Smith demanded improved competitiveness and increasing employment to allow further growth of the private sector.
"The new economic vision sets out the policy context needed to ensure that this is realised," she said.
"We need to encourage our companies to be more market aware, outward looking and committed to business improvement. "It is through investment in innovation and skills that we can secure long-term growth in the economy."