Low Unemployment Figures Masks Long-Term Problems that need to be Overcome - Empey
Commenting on the publication of unemployment figures for Northern Ireland, UUP Leader and Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey said,
“The figures show the lowest unemployment figures for Northern Ireland since records began. At 3.7% this is the first time that we have recorded the lowest levels of unemployment in the United Kingdom.
We must not be complacent however, as this masks the long term problems we have with low levels of participation in the workforce and lower productivity. Our businesses also face significant cost disadvantages with their competitors.
The future of our economic prosperity lies in ensuring that our people obtain the skills at all levels that will keep Northern Ireland ahead in the years to come.”