Same opportunities for city unemployed

SOCIAL Development Minister Alex Attwood says despite Londonderry not operating the enhanced Steps to Work employment programme he has ensured the same work experience opportunities are available to unemployed people here as are available in other parts of Northern Ireland.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Mar 2011, 12:12 BST

He made the comments in response to a query at the Stormont Assembly.

He said: “I am aware that the Derry City Council area does not currently operate the Steps to Work Programme. However, I have ensured that the same work experience opportunities will be made available to unemployed people in the Derry City Council area as a result of Social Housing and Urban Regeneration contracts through utilising the Department for Employment and Learning’s New Deal Programme.”

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Mr Attwood was responding to a query from Foyle SDLP Assembly candidate Pól Callaghan on social clause requirements.

He also pointed out how two long-term unemployed people and one young electrical apprenticeships worked on the recent city centre public realm scheme.

“In Urban Regeneration, a voluntary arrangement was reached with the contractor of the recently completed Derry City Centre Public Realm project whereby he and one of his sub-contractors provided employment for 2 long-term unemployed people as well as an electrical apprenticeship for one young person,” he explained.

Related topics:Northern Ireland