§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the unemployment figures for Northern Ireland at the latest date; and what were the figures for May 1979.
§ Mr. ButlerAt 8 September 1983, there were 123,724 unemployed claimants in Northern Ireland which was 22.2 per cent. of all employees. An estimated 58,100 persons were claiming benefit at 10 May 1979; 10.1 per cent. of employees at that time.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the latest unemployment figures for the Province.
§ Mr. ButlerThe figures at September 1983 show that unemployment has increased by 6,723 to 123,724 which is 22.2 per cent of all employees. Any increase in the high level of unemployment is unwelcome news for Northern Ireland, but one month's figures should not be considered in isolation. Much of the increase was due to seasonal factors. Those leaving education and starting to claim unemployment benefit accounted for 4,981 of the increase. This is an effect which occurs every year at this time and the number of unemployed education leavers is expected to decline during the next few months.