There are more jobs being lost in Northern Ireland with levels of unemployment continuing to rise - with the building sector again flagged as losing jobs faster than others.

Figures released today, for the period February to April 2010, recorded a rise in the unemployment rate to 6.9%.

Seasonal adjusted estimates from the Quarterly Employment Survey showed that there were 700,210 employee jobs in March 2010.

This represented an estimated net decrease of 1,280 over the quarter and a fall of 13,260 over the year.

The decrease over the quarter was driven by falls in the construction sector (-460) and Service sector (-660) jobs.

This was the seventh successive quarterly decrease in the seasonally adjusted employee jobs series. However, this was the smallest decline in employee jobs since the series peaked in June 2008 and was only 27% of the average quarterly decrease since the downturn started.

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Commenting on the figures, NI Enterprise Minister, Arlene Foster said: "It is disappointing to note a further rise in the unemployment rate and a fall in jobs during the first quarter of 2010.

"However, there are signs that the rate of decline in jobs is beginning to slow," she said.

"The latest fall was the smallest since the jobs series peaked in June 2008. In addition, the number of unemployed claimants has remained relatively constant since the start of the year.

"However, I am conscious that the number of claimants has been decreasing in other regions of the UK and that the annual increase in Northern Ireland claimants is proportionately the highest of the UK regions.

"This remains a difficult time for people in NI, as it will take some time before any economic recovery can be translated into sustained jobs growth and employment opportunities," the Minister continued.

"I am also conscious that, as we await the impact of likely budget cuts at the UK level, the need to grow a vibrant private sector in Northern Ireland is more pressing than ever.

"I will therefore continue to work with the business community and all the relevant stakeholders in the Northern Ireland economy to create the conditions needed for growth.

"We aim to foster a climate whereby Northern Ireland companies are more proactive in pursuing market opportunities and focussed on business improvement.

"I am fully confident that Northern Ireland businesses have the ability to respond positively to this challenge," she said.

Further information on the latest labour market figures is available in the Labour Market Statistical Press Release at: www.detini.gov.uk/deti-stats-index/stats-labour-market.htm

(BMcC/GK)