Number of unemployed people on Isle of Man fell in 2010

Treasury minister Anne Craine said there had been a fall in long-term unemployed

The number of unemployed people on the Isle of Man rose by 60 in December, according to government figures.

But the current jobless figure of 795 is still 83 lower than the end of 2009, Treasury Minister Anne Craine MHK said.

Mrs Craine praised the island's businesses for the overall fall in unemployment over the past year.

She said the government expected a small rise in the jobless figures for unemployment due to seasonal factors.

The island's current jobless rate is 1.9%.

"Despite tough trading conditions in UK and overseas markets, the island's business community has performed outstandingly," said Mrs Craine.

She added: "The economy has never gone into recession and continues to grow.

"We expect to see higher unemployment figures for January, as registered unemployment has increased in this month in each of the last 12 years.

"Reduced labour requirements over the winter months in certain of our sectors is a prime factor in this, employment in the construction sector being particularly vulnerable.

"Indeed, of the net increase of 60 on the unemployment register in December, 36 were individuals previously employed in building."