SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
She made the call after the latest labour market report revealed that all four council wards with higher than 10% unemployment are in the North West.
Three of the wards are in Derry & Strabane council area (Diamond, Strand and East Strabane) and one is in Causeway Coast (Greystone in Limavady).
Said the Foyle MLA: “The latest labour market figures show that so far the Covid pandemic has not had the widespread impact on unemployment that had been feared.
“Yet there are signs of continuing underlying problems and inequalities.
“Economic inactivity – our hidden unemployment – has again got worse in the North of Ireland, in contrast to the trend in Great Britain.
“The lack of affordable childcare here is one factor, while our longer healthcare waiting lists are another.
“I am particularly concerned by the inequalities shown up by these latest statistics.
“All four areas with the very highest levels of unemployment, above 10%, are in the North West, with three of the areas in the Derry and Strabane District Council area.
“Similarly, unemployment in the Derry travel to work area is much higher than in other parts of the North.
“The Economy Minister keeps shrugging his shoulders and saying it is not his job to urge investors to prioritise the North West.
“But the truth is that it is way past time that he did tell InvestNI to encourage more private sector investment into the North West.
“The unemployment statistics tell their own story,” added Ms McLaughlin.
