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Skills development crucial says Empey

16 April 2008

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, has called on trade unions to help encourage Northern Ireland’s workforce to develop world class skills.

Speaking at the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (NICICTU) Biennial Delegate Conference in Portrush, Sir Reg said:  “The development and enhancement of skills is fundamental to the future economic well being of our country and therefore the future of our children and our grandchildren.

“Our productivity, currently only 91.5% of the UK average, needs to be improved.  We need to do this through the development and enhancement of skills and I call on employers, trade unions and other stakeholders to help make this a reality.”

Sir Reg went on to highlight the progress made on the “Success through Skills” programme but emphasised that much remains to create the dynamic and innovative economy that Northern Ireland needs.

He also took the opportunity to praise the Trades Union movement for its commitment and help in pursuing the skills agenda with its membership.

Earlier in the day, the Minister delivered the opening address at the NUS-USI annual conference in Ballymena.  The NUS-USI was established in 1972 under a unique arrangement where both the British and Irish national student unions jointly organised in Northern Ireland to promote student unity across the sectarian divide.

NOTE TO EDITORS:  

  1. The NICICTU Biennial Delegate Conference is being held on 15 and 16 April 2008 in the Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush. Its theme is “Organise to Succeed”.
  2. “Success through Skills”, produced in 2006, is the implementation plan for Northern Ireland’s Skills Strategy led by the Department for Employment and Learning.
  3. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.  
  4. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via paper number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.