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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Social Democratic & Labour Party) on Tuesday, 23 June 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2015. It was answered by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 June 2015 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Unemployment: Young People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent progress the Government has made on reducing youth unemployment levels in Northern Ireland.

Answer

Youth unemployment in Northern Ireland has fallen by 1.1 percentage points over the year, from 20.0 per cent in February-April 2014, to 18.9 per cent in February-April 2015.

The Government has abolished employer National Insurance Contributions for under-21 year olds from April 2015 making it cheaper for businesses in Northern Ireland to employ young people.

As part of our long term economic plan, the Government is also reducing the largest structural deficit in UK peacetime history. This is essential to deliver a sustainable economic recovery to assist young people to get job opportunities in Northern Ireland.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3796
Session
2015-16
Subjects
Northern Ireland Young people Unemployment
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk