SDLP Foyle MLA and Economy spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin
Ms McLaughlin’s comments came in response to the announcement that Economy Minister, Diane Dodds is putting together a new package of economy rescue measures.
Said the Foyle MLA: “Young adults are facing a really difficult time if they enter the labour market now.
“Evidence from the past shows that people seeking work for the first time during a recession can find themselves disadvantaged for many years to come.
“They are more likely to be unemployed, or to suffer low pay. It therefore makes sense to put in place training programmes now to give young adults the skills they need to gain better jobs once this crisis subsides.
“We are therefore calling on Economy Minister Diane Dodds to put in place training programmes in association with our universities and colleges that build the skills base of Northern Ireland, to help both young adults and our economy to be in a better place in the future.
“In addition, we are seeking an enhanced apprenticeship programme, blending training with paid employment, that encourages and incentivises employers’ participation and enables young people to receive a decent living wage while training.
“We also want the Economy Minister to address the gaps in the current emergency provision, given that many businesses are falling outside existing support schemes.
“That includes cross-border workers, for whom reciprocal measures with the Irish Government are needed.
“There are also many self-employed workers, social enterprises and farmers who need urgent assistance.
“It is essential to invest in the future, by ensuring we have an effective programme for extending and improving the supply of fast broadband.
“In addition, specific measures are needed for the hospitality sector.
“So I am calling on the Minister to adopt a collaborative approach with the Irish Government, to produce a joint cross-border plan to release the tourism sector as the crisis eases.
“We need collaboration not competition for our hospitality businesses, recognising that co-operation between them can lift the sector for the benefit of all.
“As well as this, I urge the Minister, along with the Communities Minister, to lobby the British Government to introduce flexibility into the Universal Credit rules, so that individuals who are in serious need can apply for short-term benefits, without losing long term entitlement to Working Tax Credits.
“This is a serious problem that my party is very anxious about and which is causing immense distress to many of my constituents.”
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