1,552 out of work locally

The claimant count in the borough stands at 1,552 for November, down from 1615 the previous month, the latest economic and labour market statistics have revealed.

The ward registering the most claimant counts for unemployment was Ballee with 117 (123 in October).

This was followed by Dunclug on 114 (110 in October) and Harryville on 109 (108 the previous month).

The Ballymena ward with the lowest number out of work and claiming unemployment benefit in November was Glenwhirry with 22 (30 in October).