New figures show that the number of people on the Live Register rose again in July, with the unemployment rate now at its highest level since 1995.
The Central Statistics Office said the seasonally adjusted Live Register figure rose by 10,500 in the month to 423,400.
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Although this is 87% higher than in July last year, it is the smallest monthly increase so far this year. The monthly increase was split almost equally between men and women.
The unadjusted figure rose by 17,143 from June to 435,735, giving an annual increase of just under 83%. The 12.25 unemployment rate compared with an 11.9% figure in June.
The Construction Industry Federation said the priority for the Government must be about sustaining existing jobs in the sector while creating an environment for new jobs to be generated.
