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Minister visits jobs bonanza in Limavady

6 November 2008

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today opened a major Job Fair in Limavady.

Following the announcement of the closure of Seagate Technology in the town, the Department for Employment and Learning engaged with those affected by the closure.  In addition to providing advice on employment and training opportunities, the Department joined forces with Limavady Borough Council to organise today’s Fair.

The Minister said:  “There is no doubt that the Limavady area has experienced unprecedented difficulties with so many redundancies over a relatively short period of time.  The closure of Seagate, with a loss of approximately 900 jobs, was a major blow to the local labour market.  

“In addition to these the closure of Huco Lightronic, the MOD base at Ballykelly and the ‘knock-on’ effect to local supplier services have had a serious impact on the town.  Further job losses have followed with a down turn in the construction sector.  However, my Department is doing all that it can to help jobseekers in Limavady and surrounding areas find alternative employment.

“My officials will continue to work closely with local bodies such as District Councils, Chambers of Commerce and employers in an effort to bring jobs to the local community.”

The Fair attracted 31 of Northern Ireland’s biggest employers, including Stream International, Royal Mail, NI Civil Service, NI Fire Service and PSNI. Local jobseekers were able to view and apply for any number of the hundreds of vacancies on offer.

Underlining his Department’s commitment to helping those affected by recent job losses, the Minister said: “I am focused on ensuring that training, aimed at providing the skills required to compete for employment, is there for anyone who wishes to avail of it.  Programmes like Steps to Work, Pathways and the new all-age apprenticeship provision, ApprenticeshipsNI, have been introduced to equip people with the necessary skills for employment.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Jobs Fair was held at the Radisson Roe Hotel, Limavady.
  2. Media enquiries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager, number 07699715440.