SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood
Mr Eastwood said the situation was having a particular impact in Derry and other areas deprived of investment.
Said the Foyle MP: “Figures released by The Productivity Institute in conjunction with the University of Manchester shows that Northern Ireland ranks 12th of the UK’s twelve regions for productivity performance.
“The persistently low productivity levels in Northern Ireland have a detrimental impact on cities like Derry, which have been starved of investment for decades, providing even more significant challenges.
“In Derry, the Gross median weekly pay and disposable household income per head is well below the local authority median.
“New census data this year showed the unemployment rate in our city at 3.7% – the highest of all 11 local council areas.
“Derry can no longer suffer decreased competitiveness, limited job opportunities, and constrained innovation.
“We have talent and creativity that rivals anywhere else on these islands and it’s time that we enjoyed the same opportunities.
“Without a concerted effort to address this productivity gap, Derry and other regions in Northern Ireland will find it harder to achieve sustainable growth and fulfil their economic potential.
“Successive Stormont governments have let Derry down, and while the DUP continues to lock people out of making changes here the situation will only worsen.
“It’s time they allowed MLAs to get back to work so we can take steps to address these issues and the SDLP will continue to fight to ensure that no community in Northern Ireland is left behind.”
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