Huge increase in NI unemployment

There has been another increase in unemployment

NI has suffered its biggest annual rise in unemployment in 37 years with the construction industry accounting for a large part of the increase.

Over 12,000 additional people claimed unemployment benefit in 2008 compared with 2007. The total number of unemployed is now almost 36,000.

People claiming benefits increased by 1,800 last month, which was smaller than the figure for November.

The construction industry accounted for 44% of the rise in claimants.

The downturn was particularly acute in the final six months of the year with 10,000 new claimants since June.

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BBC NI's Business Correspondent reports on the latest unemployment figures

The Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster, said the figures reflected the general economic picture.

"This has been a rapid change over a relatively short period and there is still a degree of uncertainty about the potential duration of the downturn.

"While the challenging economic conditions are a global phenomenon, we shouldn't forget that this is a difficult time for the individuals and families concerned," she said.

Meanwhile, a financial services company is to create 40 jobs in north Belfast.

Prestige Insurance holdings said the jobs will be mainly financial advisory roles relating to insurance claims.