The number of people without a job in Northern Ireland jumped by 2,000 to 54,000 while unemployment in general fell across the UK during the three months to April according to latest Government figures.
The overall UK jobless rate was 5.5 per cent for the February to April period - the lowest rate in seven years.
But the Northern Ireland rate climbed in the same period to 6.1 per cent reflecting the challenges faced by a region where long term unemployment and youth unemployment is significantly higher than the UK average.
Separate statistics also show there was a fall in the number of people claiming jobless-related benefits last month.
The claimant count, which remained stubbornly higher than the UK average, fell by 1,000 to 43,400 or 4.8 per cent of the workforce in May.
According to the latest figures there are more people living in the Derry and Strabane district council area claiming unemployment support than any other city or town in Northern Ireland.
The North's Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell said the figures, although mixed, suggest " a more positive picture than a year ago".
Mr Bell said: “There are many encouraging signs for the Northern Ireland economy with continued evidence of job creation and significant investment among businesses here.
“The publication of the Invest Northern Ireland end of year results showed in 2014-15 almost 14,000 jobs were promoted.
“The new jobs being created will have a real and positive economic impact on local communities and the people of Northern Ireland.”
The latest monthly labour market report highlights that the current number of working age people in employment (797,000) is currently higher than the pre downturn peak of 787,000 in 2008.
But Dr Esmond Birnie, PwC chief economist in Northern Ireland, says the high numbers of young people trying to find work is a worry.
“Youth unemployment remain high with 19.3% of the region’s economically active 18 - 24 year olds currently unemployed.
“That’s a 0.1 per cent increase over the past 12 months and well above the UK average of 13.6 per cent.
“The number of long term unemployed – those out of work for more than a year - has reached almost two in three (64.5%)and is twice the 32.3 per cent UK average,” he warned.
