Helping people back to work is number one priority - Empey

Employment Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has reiterated his determination to help those people out of work to find a way back into employment.

The Minister was speaking as he attended the Coleraine Jobs, Opportunities and Advice Forum, held in Portrush. The event was held in the midst of increasing concern over the state of the local economy and following the news of further job losses within the Coleraine Borough.

The Minister said: “There is no doubt that the Coleraine area has experienced unprecedented difficulties with so many redundancies over a relatively short period of time. Indeed, the job loss announcement today from Wrightbus has delivered an additional blow to the local economy and is why an event like this is vital in the current climate."

Sir Reg continued: “I am focused on ensuring that training, aimed at providing the skills required to compete for employment, is there for anyone who wishes to avail of it. Programmes like Steps to Work, Pathways and the new all-age apprenticeship provision, ApprenticeshipsNI, have been introduced to equip people with the necessary skills for employment.

“In addition to these measures, my officials will continue to work closely with local bodies across Northern Ireland such as District Councils, Chambers of Commerce and employers in an effort to bring jobs to the local community. Through taking a multi-agency approach to tackling this problem we can work together to enhance the short and long-term prospects of those people affected.”

The event was organised between the Department for Employment and Learning, Coleraine Business Education Partnership and supported by Coleraine Borough Council. Similar successful events have already been staged in Belfast, Limavady and Londonderry, with others planned for Newry and Larne.

At the event the Minister launched a new leaflet by his Department which outlines key advice and guidance for those seeking work or who have recently been made redundant. The Minister also launched a booklet which provides information on employment matters for workers.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Forum was held at the Royal Court Hotel, Portrush.
2. Over 35 businesses, training and employment agencies, universities and employment experts were on hand to offer comprehensive advice and guidance on employment opportunities, training, further & higher education and work related benefits. Information was available about training courses, grants, how to find work, including CV tips, help with interview techniques and advice on how to improve your skills.
3. The ‘We can help you find your way back to work’ leaflet contains an extensive list of Department for Employment and Learning opportunities available to the unemployed and contact references to help customers find out what is suitable for them. The leaflet will be available in all Jobs & Benefits offices and JobCentres later this week. There is a team of Personal Advisers in each office to assist people to find their way back to work.
4. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager on 07699715440 and your call will be returned.