Only around 52,000 unemployed were registered with the Employment Service at the end of last month, down 3.5% at monthly level and just over 21% at an annual level.

The majority of those who found a job last month were cleaners, manual workers in manufacturing, pre-school educators, primary school teachers, secretaries and shop assistants.

Most employers seeking new staff came from manufacturing, construction, health care and social care, and education.