Secretary makes fact finding trip to Larne

During a two-day fact-finding visit to Northern Ireland, Therese Coffey said the extraordinary circumstances arising from the global health emergency would require an agile response. Her trip included seeing how different social enterprises have tailored their work for vulnerable jobseekers.

Rounding off her stay on Tuesday (August 25) with a visit to Access Employment, in Larne, the Secretary of State saw how the enterprise is helping people with a learning disability to develop their skills, experience and confidence to find a job.

This included a tour of its repackaging enterprise, Candyrush, which gives participants training and experience in things like stock control, warehousing and packaging, as well as Larne Community Allotments, which provides training in horticulture – growing fresh fruit and vegetables that can be sold through its garden centre shop and café.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Therese Coffey said: “An innovative approach to how we support some of the most vulnerable people in our society is what we are going to need as we move out of this pandemic and beyond.

“We know Britain has gone through a difficult time, and we will continue to be there to help people get back on their feet and into work again.

“Success stories like the ones here at Access Employment are what we want to replicate as we start to grow the economy and build back better.”

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