Catholics still more likely to be unemployed in North

Catholics are still more likely to be unemployed in the North, according to the latest official figures.

The figures show that, while the number of Catholics in employment has increased significantly in recent years, they still have higher levels of joblessness.

Fifty-four per cent of the working-age population in the North is Protestant and 46% Catholic, but 76% of Protestants have jobs, compared to just 67% of Catholics.

The difference is even more marked in the female population, with just 58% of Catholic women in employment, compared to 71% of Protestants.