Unskilled hardest hit as jobless total rises by 3 per cent

Editorial Department • Published 19 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Unemployment in Fermanagh rose by 3 per cent in July with school leavers finding it difficult to get a job and those without skills being the hardest hit.

People working in the retail sector also suffered.

The latest Monthly Labour Market Report published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment shows that in July there were 1,758 people in Fermanagh without a job, 51 more than in June, taking the level of unemployment in the county to 4.4 per cent, compared with the Northern Ireland average of 5 per cent. The jobless total was made up of 1,274 men, representing 6.2 per cent of the male workforce, and 484 women, or 2.5 per cent of the female workforce.

In the past 12 months the local dole queue has grown by 184 or just under 12 per cent.

Commenting on the figures Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster pointed out that the number of unemployed people across Northern Ireland increased by 800 in July.

“This latest monthly increase was the largest since the start of 2010 and compared to a fall in overall UK claimant levels,” she acknowledged. “It has been well documented that those leaving full-time education have been finding it difficult to obtain permanent employment in Northern Ireland and this seems to be reflected in July’s claimant count results.

“It is also clear that the local labour market has been particularly hit by the fall out from the global recession. The annual increase of 6,000 in unemployment benefit claimants in Northern Ireland was the largest of the UK regions. Sales and unskilled occupations were the hardest hit during this time, accounting for over 60 per cent of the annual rise in unemployment,” the Minister explained.

Glyn Roberts is Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association which represents non-chain stores and smaller shops.

He said: “While the rest of the UK is experiencing a drop in unemployment, Northern Ireland is sadly seeing a steady increase which is a cause of great concern.”

He warned that the Government’s planned VAT rise in the New Year could slow any recovery and leave retailers facing even tougher times.

“We also share the concerns of the Bank of England that the VAT hike will mean higher inflation in the coming year,” he added.

“The Executive and Coalition Government need to be making greater progress towards addressing the increasing burden of red tape, particularly in the areas of Employment Law. We would also urge them to expand the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme threshold so that more local businesses can avail of this scheme and can re-invest more of their own money into their business and employ more staff,” Mr. Roberts stated.

Minister Foster acknowledged that: “Trading conditions remain extremely challenging for our businesses and the impending public sector spending cuts will add further negative pressure on the labour market.

“It is therefore imperative that we, as an Executive, make the right decisions and put in place the correct policies that will help the Northern Ireland private sector maximise growth. I am currently chairing an Executive Sub-Committee, tasked with developing an economic strategy that will deliver on this goal,” she added.

“The Sub-Committee is actively consulting with all the relevant stakeholders and I have established an independent Economic Advisory Group to ensure that high-quality, expert advice is available for consideration. The outcome of this work will be a comprehensive strategy that will set out the priorities and actions needed to achieve a strong and vibrant economy in Northern Ireland,” the Minister concluded.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Aug 10

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