The number of people unemployed in Northern Ireland has fallen to its lowest level in 26 years, according to new statistics.

Seasonally adjusted figures for March show that 39,500 people claimed unemployment benefits in the North, a fall of 300 on the previous month.

Year on year, the number of people claiming benefits has fallen by 2,800.

The current trend shows that on average there is a loss of some 400 people per month from the benefits register.

One of the statistics highlighted in the report is that there are 10,000 18-24 year olds unemployed, a fall of 2,000 from one year ago.

Mr Stephen Kingon, managing partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers in Northern Ireland, said the latest figures showed signs of confidence.

"Despite the recent worrying news about some sectors of the economy, it is reassuring that unemployment remains lower than might have been expected.

"Recent record figures from the Industrial Development Board suggest that while our traditional industries are facing serious challenges, Northern Ireland remains highly attractive to investors," Mr Kingon said.

The latest figures show there are currently 47,000 people, or 6.3 per cent, of the workforce registered as unemployed in the North.

This means that Northern Ireland, which had one of the highest unemployment rates in the UK, currently has a lower rate than the north-east of England and London.