Storey's concern on jobless figures

Warning of difficult times ahead Mr Storey said: “The Northern Ireland unemployment rate is currently running at approximately 7%.

“In Ballymena it was 3.9%, in Ballymoney it was 5% and in Moyle it was 5.5%. While there was an overall increase this is still lower than the UK average of 7.9% and still the fourth lowest of all of the regions of the UK.

“It is also significantly lower than the Euro zone rate of 9.8%, or Germany where it is 7.4%, the USA where it is 10%. It is also much, much lower than in the Republic of Ireland where unemployment is running at over 13%.”

“The Northern Ireland economy is likely to face further pressures over then next period.

“The spending cuts announced by the Chancellor will impact upon the timing and strength of the recovery in Northern Ireland.

“In such circumstances it is important to have an outward looking private sector that is flexible, responsive and export focused, which seeks growth opportunities across the global economy. We need to retain our focus on developing the conditions to promote private sector growth which will drive the recovery.

“I have had discussions with Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster MLA and also Invest NI regarding the situation in North Antrim and I have a meeting planned with the Employment Minister Sir Reg Empty to discuss these matters.”