Minister welcomes workplace awards

21 June 2007

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, this evening congratulated the winning companies competing in the Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards.

Speaking at the Ramada Hotel, the Minister welcomed the awards which aim to promote and reward our key resource – people. He said: “Whether you run a small, medium or large organisation, in the public, private or voluntary sector, people are at the heart of what we do.”

Sir Reg said that the aims of the first indigenous workplace and recruitment awards went arm in arm with the work currently being done through the Department’s Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland, ‘Success through Skills’, as both place an emphasis on individuals and their positive contribution to the workplace.

The Strategy, which is the Department for Employment and Learning’s contribution to achieving the Economic Vision for Northern Ireland, aims to ensure that individuals have the skills relevant to future employment opportunities.

The Minister highlighted the fact that education and training providers, Government and employers all need to play their part in the implementation of Success through Skills.

He said: “It is important that an increasing number of employers acknowledge that they have a key role to play in ensuring that their people have the skills needed for the economy of the future.

“Employers and businesses that invest in their staff by adopting best workplace practices and recognising the work of their employees help to foster an environment where employees are encouraged to reach their full potential.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

‘Success through Skills’ is Northern Ireland’s first comprehensive strategy for the development of skills. Copies are available from http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/skills-strategy-ni.htm
The inaugural Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards are being held on 21 June in the Ramada Hotel.
Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872.