Hi °C | Lo °C Northern Ireland has "one of the most skilled and qualified dole queues" since records began, according to a top economist.
Richard Ramsey of Ulster Bank said that from the peak of the economic boom in 2007 to July 12, 2012 more and more qualified professionals are seeking work.
There has been a 617% jump in the number of architects, town planners and surveyors seeking work between the two periods, from 30 to 215. Production managers looking for jobs jumped 540% from 25 to 160.
Next were draftspersons and building inspectors, up 533% from 16 to 95, then quality and customer care managers, up 400% from 15 to 75.
Predictably, big casualties of the collapse of the housing market were those in construction trades.
There was a 357% increase in their number on the dole queue, up from 960 to 4390.
Mr Ramsey said that the Office of National Statistics' database reveals interesting facts about the occupations of those individuals claiming unemployment benefit.
"It is fair to say we currently have one of the most skilled and qualified dole queues we have ever had," he said. "It is not surprising that there are over 10,000 former sales assistants or retail cashiers claiming the dole.
"But we also have 1,175 teachers, 260 engineering professionals, 240 ICT professionals and 95 legal professionals.
"Given it is A Level day, spare a thought for those in the field of architecture," he said.
"A degree in architecture requires seven years' hard slog.
"But it is noted that last month there were 215 architects, town planners or surveyors drawing the dole as opposed to drawing plans."
The most buoyant roles were in farming, horticulture, forestry and fishing. Ten people were looking for work in July 2007 compared to five last month.
Those hunting for process plant jobs dropped from 1360 to 1295. Conservation workers and textiles workers were also luckier.
