Mid-Ulster assemblyman Billy Armstrong has highlighted the plight of the local construction sector, following the publication of the latest unemployment data.

The Ulster Unionist MLA said a heavy toll has been paid by the building industry, particularly small building firms and associated trades.

"These workers are paying the human cost of the worst economic trading conditions since the 1930s," he said.

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"I am particularly keen to see support for locally based small and medium sized enterprises as these are the backbone of the local economy, and will benefit the most from measures such as apprenticeships and training schemes."

In Northern Ireland as a whole a total of 53,511 people are listed as unemployed, making up 4.9% of all people of working age.

This is an increase of 24,313 on last year, an increase of 83.3 per cent.

"These figures are truly shocking and it is the rapid increase in unemployment which is the most startling," said Mr Armstrong.

"The local effects of the recession will only begin to ease once the world economy recovers, and whilst there are some encouraging signs at a global level, it will inevitably take some time before Northern Ireland feels the benefit of a recovery," he added.

(PR/GK)