Helping people into work is a key priority - Empey

10 May 2007

Sir Reg Empey, newly appointed Minister for Employment and Learning, today stressed one of his key goals during a visit to the North West.

On his second day in office, the Minister headed to one of the areas of highest unemployment in the province, to show his support for the valuable work of the staff in the Jobs & Benefits offices in Foyle and Lisnagelvin.

He said: “My Department strives to help everyone, regardless of ability or background, to develop their individual skills and talent so that they can find meaningful employment.

“I am impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff I have met today and I have seen at first hand how the Department’s programmes make a lasting impact on the area.”

The Minister spent time with the Jobs & Benefits office Advisers involved in delivering a wide range of employability programmes including the new ‘Pathways to Work’ initiative.  ‘Pathways’ is designed to help and support Incapacity Benefit recipients find suitable jobs.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. 1.Pathways to Work is an innovative new approach to help people with health conditions and disabilities to consider their options for returning to work. It has been available in some areas of Northern Ireland since October 2005. The Department is making the support available across the whole of Northern Ireland in four phases by April 2008.
  2. 2.Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.