Minister welcomes call to continue training for the future

Minister for Employment, Sir Reg Empey, today welcomed the “Now is the Time” campaign being run by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.

The campaign calls on employers to continue training despite the economic downturn, as increasing productivity is the best way for companies to ensure survival and prepare for future growth.

The Minister said: “I fully support this campaign. People are our most important resource and are the key to future prosperity. Research has shown that companies which invest in training during recession are two and half times more likely to survive. It is vital for the economic success of Northern Ireland that people are given the skills to meet the challenges we face during the current downturn.

“I welcome this campaign by the Commission for Employment and Skills and my Department will work with Bill McGinnis, the Northern Ireland Adviser on Employment and Skills, to help him take this campaign forward and ensure that the relevant help and information is available to employers.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The “Now is the Time” campaign is being run by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and is UK-wide. It consists of an open letter, signed by business leaders and employer organisations, to encourage companies to continue to upskill staff during the economic downturn. It also provides a weblink address which provides information on help available from government.
2. The advertisement is appearing in several of the national daily papers, with versions adapted to the different circumstances of the devolved administrations printed in local papers.
3. Media queries 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 number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned