HC Deb 23 July 1981 vol 9 cc238-9W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the average annual number of those unemployed in Ulster since 1969; what percentage of the work force they represent; and what are the comparable figures for the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. Adam Butler

The annual average number registered as unemployed in Northern Ireland since 1969 are as follows:

Year Numbers Percentage
1969 36,900 7.1
1970 35,400 6.8
1971 40,400 7.9
1972 40,600 8.0
1973 31,100 6.1
1974 29,900 5.7
1975 42,000 7.9
1976 54,900 10.0
1977 60,900 11.0
1978 65,400 11.5
1979 64,900 11.3
1980 78,800 13.7
* 1981 100,500 17.4
* January to June.

As the basis for the collection and recording of unemployment statistics for the Republic of Ireland differ from the United Kingdom, no directly comparable figures are available.