Unemployment continues to rise on Island

Unemployment now stands at 971, a rate of 2.3% of the economically active population.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare has said that while he's disappointed with the latest figures he recognises that external conditions are conspiring to make this a difficult time for the economy.

The Minister added: ‘Seasonal factors are also at play now, so we can expect the level of unemployment to rise further in the forthcoming winter months.’

A total of 506 vacancies were notified to the Job Centre during the month and at the end of the month 223 positions were still vacant and held on file.