Farry: CitysideRC majority onjobs scheme

THE religious background of ‘hard to reach’ people targeted in a state employment drive in Londonderry and Strabane and other targeted areas is as expected, according to Jobs Minister Dr Stephen Farry.

“The majority of participants in the Greater Shankill are perceived as Protestant while the majority of participants on the Cityside in Londonderry are perceived as Catholic,” he stated.

TUV leader Jim Allister has been told the religious breakdown of 'hard to reach' participants in an employment drive is as expected. i.e more Protestants in the Shankill; more Catholics incityside Londonderry; more mixed in less defined areas.

placeholder image — TUV leader Jim Allister has been told the religious breakdown of 'hard to reach' participants in an employment drive is as expected. i.e more Protestants in the Shankill; more Catholics incityside Londonderry; more mixed in less defined areas.

He was asked about the Local Employment Intermediary Service (LEMIS) by Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) MLA Jim Allister.

Mr Allister asked whether the scheme’s reach was sufficiently cross-community and whether it has been audited in relation to this and its Section 75 - equality - obligations.

Dr Farry explained: “Analysis of LEMIS data indicates that the religious background of participants is as expected in each area e.g. the majority of participants in the Greater Shankill are perceived as Protestant while the majority of participants on the Cityside in Londonderry are perceived as Catholic.

“In the other less defined areas the religious background of participants tends to be more mixed. All the community organisations who deliver the LEMIS service work together as a network.”

He said all the community groups who are involved in LEMIS meet regularly to share best practice and work on joint projects.