Festive visitors urged to grasp employment opportunities

Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey today visited George Best Belfast City Airport to promote local employment opportunities to those visiting over the festive session.

Speaking as he met with people arriving home for the holidays and also those just here to visit, Sir Reg said: “Northern Ireland is changing - a tangible new found confidence is starting to emerge. With the restoration of the Assembly marking a key turning point in the public life of Northern Ireland, there is also a sense of possibility and change throughout the business community.”

“The past ten years has seen strong growth in our local economy and this quarter the unemployment rate is at an all time low of 3.7% - well below the UK average of 5.4%. This potent mix of growth and low unemployment is creating new and exciting opportunities with the result that there has never been a better time to explore the high volume of employment opportunities available in Northern Ireland!”

Sir Reg continued: “I want people to realise that the days when Northern Ireland couldn’t compete with the employment opportunities offered in Great Britain are gone. With our growing economy and good quality of life, Northern Ireland is a top choice for people looking to take the next step in their career. I am pleased to see that locally based recruitment companies are now actively targeting ex-pats from Northern Ireland who have the senior management skills required to take forward new and established businesses here. I would encourage all those returning home or visiting this holiday season to explore the employment opportunities available.”

Notes to Editors:

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