150 jobs are to be created at Social Security offices in Northern Ireland to deal with the increased numbers of unemployed people arising from the economic downturn.
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said it was a proactive response to the economic situation.
Most of the staff will work at jobs and benefits offices, with some working at the new employment and support allowance centre.
Almost 36,000 people claim Jobseekers Allowance according to latest figures.
Earlier it ermerged that 96 jobs are to go at a forklift truck manufacturing plant in Co Armagh.
NACCO Materials Handling Group has confirmed potential redundancies of up to 96 employees at its Craigavon plant.
The company said the decision came after a detailed review of its current operations and talks are under way with staff and their representatives.
The Craigavon site currently employs 616 people and last year 81 people were made redundant.
It is part of a company which is one of the largest producers of forklift trucks worldwide.
Plant Manager at Craigavon Alan Little said they were faced with an unfortunate global economic situation that was causing the company and many other companies trading in Europe to be unfavourably affected.
'These are difficult times and these are regrettable proposals forced on the company by global difficulties not of our making,' Mr Little said.
