Latest labour market figures show 4,040 people in Derry and Strabane, or 4.3 per cent of the working age population, claimed Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit in April.

4.9 per cent of working age males and 3.7 per cent of working age females claimed the benefits.

The area recorded one of the largest year-on-year falls in claimant numbers after seasonal adjustment.

The decrease reached 13.6 per cent over the year.

Only Belfast, with a 4 per cent rate, came close to the local figure.

Claimant counts rose during the COVID pandemic and again between May and September 2024.

The second rise followed an increase in the administrative earnings threshold for Universal Credit.