HC Deb 19 July 1990 vol 176 cc716-7W
19. Mr. Summerson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current levels of employment in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

At March 1990, the latest date for which figures are available, there were an estimated 524,840 employees in employment. This is the highest figure for March since 1980.

32. Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

At 14 June 1990, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 95,055 unemployed claimants in the Province, representing 13.6 per cent. of the work force. Seasonally adjusted unemployment has fallen for 17 consecutive months and is at its lowest level for over eight years.