Job seekers 'signing on' monthly

New unemployment figures were released on Wednesday

Such is the pressure on benefits offices in Northern Ireland, job seekers now only have to 'sign on' once a month, it has emerged.

Previously people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) had to attend a benefits office fortnightly.

Meanwhile, the latest unemployment total for Northern Ireland now stands at 49,500, it was announced on Wednesday.

The figure represents an increase of 1,600 on the previous month.

However, the Northern Ireland seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (6.3%) remains below the UK average (7.6%) and was also lower than the European Union (8.6%) and Republic of Ireland (11.1%) rates.

Year on year, the number out of work in Northern Ireland has risen by 91%, which is higher than the overall UK increase (85.0%).

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said Northern Ireland was "continuing to experience the negative effect of the global downturn".

"But I am committed to doing whatever is possible to mitigate the effect of the global recession in Northern Ireland and to ensure businesses are well placed to take advantage of economic recovery when it comes."

Commenting on job seekers in Northern Ireland now only having to 'sign on' once a month, a Department for Employment and Learning spokesman said the arrangement was temporary for three months "in response to the impact of the economic downturn".

"The social security agency has mirrored these arrangements in the remaining 10 social security offices to ensure equality of treatment," he added.