Unemployment remains at same high

Unemployment in the Isle of Man remains at a 12-year high, government figures have revealed.

The number of people out of work stands at 2.2% of the economically active population, the same percentage recorded in January this year.

In June the number of people seeking work was 922, with 282 claimants signed on the unemployment register.

But the island's treasury said an increase of seven people was "returning students joining the register".

Earlier in the year Treasury Minister Allan Bell said the increase was bigger than expected due to job losses in retail, hospitality and construction as having a major impact.

He predicted further increases for 2009.

The Manx unemployment rate of 2.2% compares with 6.3% in the United Kingdom.