HC Deb 10 March 1980 vol 980 cc474-5W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the highest weekly amount payable by way of unemployment benefit at Dungannon and Omagh, respectively; and what is the average amount payable.

Mr. Rossi

The information is as follows:

Week Ended 23 February
1980 Dungannon Omagh
Highest weekly amount paid £51.90 £51.48
Average amount paid £20.93 £21.05

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons are currently signing the unemployment register at Dungannon and Omagh and at the various sub-offices attached thereto; how many persons were offered work at these offices during the last 12 months; and how many accepted the work offered and how many rejected the offer.

Mr. Rossi

The total numbers of persons signing the unemployment register at 28 February 1980 were 2,271 and 1,821 for the Dungannon and Omagh employment service office (ESO) areas, details as follows:

Dungannon ESO
Dungannon 1,066
Bally gawley 239
Coalisland 681
Pomeroy 285
Total 2,271
Omagh ESO
Omagh 1,136
Dromore 180
Drumquin 103
Fintona 217
Sixmilecross 185
Total 1,821

During the 12 months ended 28 February 1980, 3,016 persons in the Dungannon ESO area were submitted for 783 vacancies; 677 were placed in employment and 352 refused to go for an interview or to accept the jobs offered. The comparable figures for the Omagh ESO were 2,949 for 1,190 vacancies, 1,063 and 75 respectively.