Claimant count increase

Latest figures show there are now 1,094 people out of work. Of these, 774 are male and 320 female.

According to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, there are now 24 more people unemployed in the borough than this time last year.

Councillor Sen Neeson MLA has expressed concern that the jobless total is continuing to increase.

He said: "It is deeply disappointing that these figures for August show the continued rise in unemployment here. We need to see innovative and creative ways of creating jobs being examined.

“For example, I believe that Northern Ireland should have a Green New Deal to help us realise our potential on the issue of sustainability. A Green New Deal could create many jobs in construction, in research and development and in engineering. I want to see government here implementing a strategy like this as soon as possible because we need to deliver new employment to strengthen our economy.”

Province-wide figures for August 2010 show an increase of 900 over the month in the number of unemployment benefit claimants.

Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: “The latest labour market figures show that Northern Ireland is continuing to experience the impact of the economic downturn. Although the rate of job losses has slowed this year, compared to last, there was still an increase of 900 in the unemployment register in August.”